What factor dictates the shortest lives for main sequence stars?
Answer
Mass
The fundamental determinant governing the cosmic existence and ultimate lifespan of a star, particularly its duration on the main sequence phase, is its initial mass. While having a larger reservoir of fuel might seem intuitively beneficial for longevity, in stellar physics, greater mass demands an exponentially higher rate of energy generation to counteract the overwhelming inward force of gravity. This necessity for intense energy production means that the more massive a star is, the faster it consumes its nuclear fuel reserves, leading inexorably to a much shorter overall lifetime compared to its lower-mass counterparts.
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Which Type Of Star Has The Shortest Life Span? - Physics Frontier
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