A star's mass determines where it lies on the main sequence of an H-R diagram.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mass of a star determines its surface temperature and luminosity, which in turn determines where it falls on the main sequence of an H-R diagram. Stars with higher masses are hotter and more luminous, and therefore lie higher up and to the left on the main sequence. Stars with lower masses are cooler and less luminous, and therefore fall lower down and to the right on the main sequence.

A Star's Mass Determines Where It Lies on the Main