Chapter 33, Problem 4Q

To determine

Does the H-R diagram reveal anything about the core of the star?

Answer to Problem 4Q

Solution:

Yes, the H-R diagram directly reveal about the core of the star.

Explanation of Solution

In the Hertzsprung – Russell (H-R)diagram, the useful relationship surface temperature and luminosity of the stars has been shown. in this diagram each star is shown by a point and the position of the stars gives important information about the physical and chemical characteristics of the star. The diagonal position of the diagram is occupied by the most numbers of the star which is called as main sequence. Main sequence is that part of life of a star when hydrogen fusion takes place in its core. The stars in the main sequence posses the following characteristics:

• Stars in main sequence are more massive.

• They are having higher core temperature.

• They are more luminous and exhaust hydrogen fuel more quickly

• They are having higher rate of nuclear fusion.