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Chapter 18: Problem 16

Why are the evolutionary tracks of high-mass stars different from those of low-mass stars? For which kind of star is the evolution more rapid? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The evolutionary tracks of high-mass stars are different from those of low-mass ones due to differences in their mass, which affect the core's temperature and pressure, and thus, the speed of nuclear reactions. High-mass stars evolve more rapidly due to their high core temperature and pressure.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding High-mass vs. Low-mass Stars' Evolution

High-mass stars and low-mass stars have different evolutionary tracks due to differences in their mass. High-mass stars have more gravitational force causing them to have higher pressure and temperature in their cores. This leads to much faster nuclear reactions, causing them to evolve rapidly. They burn through their hydrogen fuel quickly and become red giant or supergiant stars, then end their lives explosively as supernovae.
02

Analyzing the Evolution Speed

Low-mass stars have less gravitational force and lower pressure and temperature in their cores compared to high-mass stars. This translates to slower nuclear reactions and thus a slower evolution. They burn their hydrogen fuel at a gradual pace, making them live much longer than high-mass stars. A low-mass star like our Sun, for example, has a lifespan of about 10 billion years.
03

Concluding the Answer

Given the differences in their characteristics and processes mentioned in the previous steps, evolution is typically more rapid for high-mass stars due to their high temperature and pressure leading to faster nuclear reactions in their cores.

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