why do smaller stars last longer in the universe compared to bigger stars?

Answer 1

It is alleged to be a fuel consumption issue. Smaller stars burn their fuel (matter) at a slower rate. Big stars burn their matter at a much higher rate.

Answer 2

As I understand it small stars have less gravity and its the gravity at the centre of the star that determines the rate of nuclear fusion Even though the big star has more fuel it uses it quicker There is also a point in a big stars life where the internal forces build up and the star explodes (nova or supernova) this needs the star to be above a certain size. A stars life is dependent on amount of fuel and the rate of fuel use so medium sized should last longest

Answer 3

The answer to this question is very circular.

Large stars are made up of large amounts of matter, as a result they have a very strong gravitational field. This means that the core is very dense. The rate of FUSION, is very high because there are more collisions per second. Because fuel is consumed at a high rate the star doesn't last as long as a small star.

A small star lasts longer because it is made up of less matter. As a result the gravitational field is not as strong as a large star. The core is less dense and the fuel consumption rate is much lower.

There are more complicated reasons to do with energy output and gravitational fields, if you would like further information, email me at [e-mail]

Answer 4

As you make a star more massive, you get two opposing effects with regard to how long it will stay burning: more mass means that there is more fuel, which would make the start burn longer, but more mass also means more gravity, meaning that the star will burn hotter and faster, which would decrease its lifespan.

As it turns out, the latter effect is more powerful than the former. So adding more mass makes the star die out sooner.

Answer 5

The rate of the fusion reaction at the core of a star depends on the temperature and pressure there. And the internal temperature and pressure is higher for more massive stars, so they use up their fuel at a faster rate. The ratio of life expectancy is roughly the mass ratio to the -2.5 power.

Answer 6

comparable concept as why a bigger engine in a motor vehicle burns gas quicker than a smaller engine. a huge 550 horsepower engine burns so plenty greater gas than a smaller engine. It enables a motor vehicle to bypass plenty quicker yet in addition runs out of gas plenty faster.

Answer 7

Because as stars use up their fuel inside, they expand and continue to expand until they explode and/or burn out so the bigger stars tend to be the older ones, although hard to tell as those further away will appear smaller of course and vice-versa.

Anyway let's see what the experts say. :)

Answer 8

Smaller stars are young stars and stars usually get bigger as they age.

Big Stars are of an older age and they either explode and go supernova or collapse into a dwarf star.

The small stars are young stars and the bigger stars are closer to their date of death than their date of birth.

Answer 9

Because as stars age they get bigger and eventually implode and create black holes.

Answer 10

They are less vigorous, hence they burn up their fuel less quickly.
Sol is a perfect example.