24.3. The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram http://www.ck12.org
(b) yellow
(c) red- What is the color of the stars with the lowest surface temperature?
(a) blue
(b) yellow
(c) red - Most of the stars on the HR Diagram are classified as what type of stars?
(a) white dwarf
(b) main sequence
(c) red giant
(d) supergiant - How is it possible for the Sun to be more luminous than a white dwarf if the Sun has a lower temperature than
the white dwarf?
- luminosity: Luminosity is the rate at which a star or other object emits energy, usually in the form of
electromagnetic radiation.
Astronomy is a fantastically old science, and the accuracy of some historical observations is truly remarkable.
Stars function as immense fusion reactors, converting smaller into larger elements. All stars initially convert
hydrogen into helium, and the rate of conversion is dependent on the mass of the star. As the hydrogen is exhausted,
the increased density of star allows it to begin converting heavier elements, which releases exponentially more energy
and causes the star to expand once more. Depending on the initial mass of the star, it will end its life after millions
or billions of years as a white or brown dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole. The Hertzsprung-Russel diagram is
an image depicting the relationships between star size, color, and surface temperature.