Consider the following statements:

Question

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

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer 1

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Explanation:

• Statement-I: This statement is incorrect. Giant stars actually have shorter lifespans compared to dwarf stars. This is because giant stars burn through their nuclear fuel much more quickly due to their greater mass and higher luminosity.

• Statement-II: This statement is correct. Giant stars do have a greater rate of nuclear reactions than dwarf stars. The high mass of giant stars causes them to undergo fusion at a much faster rate, producing more energy and leading to a greater rate of nuclear reactions.

Thus, the correct interpretation is option (d): Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.