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Q32·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2024

Giant Stars vs Dwarf Stars

S&TSpace Technology & AstronomyAssertion-ReasonHardStatic

Question

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?

Options

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

Answer

Explanation

Statement-I is incorrect; massive giant stars have much shorter lifespans than dwarf stars. Statement-II is correct; because of their immense gravitational pressure and core temperatures, giant stars burn through their nuclear fuel at a drastically greater rate of nuclear reactions, which is precisely why they exhaust their fuel and die so quickly.

The more massive the star, the faster it burns its fuel and the drastically shorter its total lifespan.

Answer: (d).

Question details

Year

2024

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q32

Subject

Science & Technology

Sub-topic

Space Technology & Astronomy

Type

Assertion-Reason

Difficulty

Hard

Nature

Static

Source hint

NCERT Physics Cl.12 / Stellar Evolution & Nuclear Fusion Rates

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