1. When comparing the sizes of stars, our Sun is:

a.) the largest star discovered to date
b.)one of the larger stars discovered to date
c.)medium size as compared to other stars
d.)one of the smallest stars discovered to date
My answer: c or d

2. What information can astronomers gain from the colour of a star?
a.)the star's temperature and composition
b.)the nebala the star came from
c.)the stage of developement the star is in
d.)the direction the star might go in next
My answer: a?

3. Which of the following is not true of high mass stars?

a.)They use up hydrogen relatively slowly.
b.)They last only millions of years.
c.)they collapse in a supernova.
d.)Their core may contract further into a neutron star.
My answer: Both a and b. But im only allowed to choose one answer. I'm confused.

Please help.
thank you.

1. c

2. a is the best answer, but you do not get composition from color. You need a spectrum (intensity at many different wavelenght).
3. For some high mass stars, c, and d may apply. Almost all will last 100 million years or longer

These answer choices indicate the teacher does no understand the subject very well.

3 asks what answer is not true, so a) seems to be the correct answer.

Sorry, I missed the word "not". Thank you

1. To determine the correct answer for this question, we need to compare the Sun's size to other stars. One way to do this is by looking at the classification of stars based on their size.

Stars are often classified into different categories such as dwarfs, giants, and supergiants. Dwarfs are the smallest, while supergiants are the largest. Our Sun is classified as a G-type main-sequence star or a yellow dwarf.

Comparatively, our Sun is larger than some stars and smaller than others. So, the correct answer would be either option b) "one of the larger stars discovered to date" or option c) "medium size as compared to other stars".

2. The color of a star can provide valuable information about its temperature and composition. To understand why, we can refer to the concept of black body radiation.

When a star emits light, it has a specific color or wavelength associated with that light. The color of the star is determined by its surface temperature. Hotter stars emit bluer light, while cooler stars emit redder light.

By observing the color of a star, astronomers can estimate its temperature. Additionally, studying a star's spectrum (the distribution of light at different wavelengths) can reveal valuable information about its chemical composition.

Therefore, the correct answer for this question is a) "the star's temperature and composition".

3. In order to determine which statement is not true about high mass stars, let's analyze each option individually.

a) They use up hydrogen relatively slowly.
b) They last only millions of years.
c) They collapse in a supernova.
d) Their core may contract further into a neutron star.

Based on our understanding of stellar evolution, we know that high mass stars consume hydrogen fuel at a faster rate compared to low mass stars. Therefore, option a) is true, and it cannot be the answer.

Looking at option b), we know that high mass stars have a significantly shorter lifespan compared to low mass stars. Their intense nuclear fusion reactions cause them to burn through their fuel very quickly, so the correct answer must not be b).

Regarding option c), it is true that high mass stars collapse in a supernova explosion at the end of their lives. This is a well-established phenomenon.

Finally, option d) states that the core of a high mass star may contract further into a neutron star. This is also true, as the intense gravitational forces in the core of a high mass star can lead to the formation of a neutron star or even a black hole.

Given this analysis, the correct answer for this question is b) "They last only millions of years". Therefore, your initial choice was correct.

I hope this clarifies your confusion. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!