Consider the following statements:

1. Statement-I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars.
2. 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?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but and Statement-II does not explains Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Statement- I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Giant stars, due to their greater mass and higher rates of nuclear fusion, have shorter lifespans. Dwarf stars, being less massive, have lower internal temperatures and pressures, resulting in slower nuclear fusion rates and longer lifespans than Giant stars

Statement 2 is correct

• Giant stars, being more massive, have higher core temperatures and pressures than dwarf stars, leading to faster nuclear fusion. This results in higher luminosity and faster fuel depletion.

Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct: Difficulty Level: Easy