What is characteristic of a main sequence star?
A.It has a mass less than the Sun’s
B.It has rapid rotation and a strong stellar wind
C.Nuclear fusion in the core varies due to the amount of gravitational contraction that occurs and which heavy elements are produced
D.The rate of nuclear energy generated in the hydrogen to helium fusing core equals the rate radiated from the surface
E.All of these are correct
To find the characteristic of a main sequence star, we will evaluate each option given and see if it matches the characteristic.
A. "It has a mass less than the Sun’s" - This option is not an accurate characteristic of a main sequence star. Main sequence stars can have a range of masses, including masses greater than the Sun's.
B. "It has rapid rotation and a strong stellar wind" - This option is not an accurate characteristic of a main sequence star. The rotation rate and stellar wind can vary among different types of stars, but it is not a defining characteristic of main sequence stars.
C. "Nuclear fusion in the core varies due to the amount of gravitational contraction that occurs and which heavy elements are produced" - This option is not an accurate characteristic of a main sequence star because the amount of nuclear fusion in the core does not depend on the amount of gravitational contraction or the production of heavy elements.
D. "The rate of nuclear energy generated in the hydrogen to helium fusing core equals the rate radiated from the surface" - This option is an accurate characteristic of a main sequence star. Main sequence stars are in a state of hydrostatic equilibrium, where the rate of nuclear energy generation in the core equals the rate of energy radiated from the surface.
Based on the evaluation, the correct answer is option D. "The rate of nuclear energy generated in the hydrogen to helium fusing core equals the rate radiated from the surface."