Chapter 33, Problem 15TE

To determine

The reason for the shorter lives of massive stars than low-mass stars.

Answer to Problem 15TE

Massive stars are short lived than low-mass stars because of the higher rate of consumption of fuel by massive stars than low-mass stars.

Explanation of Solution

Hydrogen atoms inside a star’s core fuse together to produce helium atoms. The heat generated from the fusion reactions prevents the gravitational force from destroying the star.

Massive stars contain hydrogen in huge amounts causing more nuclear fusion reactions. But, since the luminosity of massive stars is greater than that of low mass stars, high-mass stars consume their hydrogen fuel at a higher rate than low-mass stars.

When the hydrogen fuel is used up, the gravity overcomes the thermal pressure and pulls the star inwards, eventually leading to the death of massive stars. Thus, massive stars have shorter lives than that of low-mass stars.

Conclusion:

Therefore, massive stars are short lived than low-mass stars because of the higher rate of consumption of fuel by massive stars than low-mass stars.