Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars.
Statement II: Compared to the dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
• Statement I is Incorrect: Giant stars burn through their nuclear fuel at extremely rapid rates, resulting in significantly shorter lifespans (millions of years) compared to dwarf stars, which burn slowly and last for billions of years.
• Statement II is Correct: Due to immense gravitational pressure and extreme core temperatures, giant stars sustain a far greater rate of nuclear fusion reactions than dwarf stars.
Hence, Option (d) is the correct answer (Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct).