Binary stars can evolve to become novae and supernovae because small differences in the stars' masses can mean large differences in their main-sequence lifetimes.

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This statement is true. Binary stars can interact with each other in various ways, including mass transfer from one star to the other. If one star becomes a white dwarf and accretes enough material from its companion, it can undergo a runaway nuclear reaction and explode as a type Ia supernova. Alternatively, if a binary system consists of two massive stars, they can both evolve and eventually explode as separate supernovae or merge and explode as a single massive supernova. The differences in the stars' masses determine how they evolve and when they reach the end of their lives.

Binary Stars Can Evolve to Become Novae and Supernovae Because