Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars. Statement-II : Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
A
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
B
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
C
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
D
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Correct answer
Explanation
Statement I is wrong: massive (giant) stars live much shorter lives than dwarf stars, a few million years against many billions for red dwarfs. Statement II is correct: their greater mass creates higher core temperatures and pressures, so they fuse hydrogen much faster and use up their fuel quickly. So Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct.
Space & Astronomy