If the mass-losing star in a close binary system is the more massive star,the binary will
A)Decrease its separation
B)Undergo a period of very slow mass exchange
C)Immediately experience a supernova eruption
D)Change the orbital plane of the two stars

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In close binary systems, the gravitational interaction between the two stars can cause them to transfer mass. If the more massive star is also the one losing mass, then the loss of mass will cause the gravitational pull between the two stars to increase, resulting in a decrease in their separation distance. This process can continue until the stars merge or until some other stabilizing mechanism kicks in. Therefore, the binary will decrease its separation if the mass-losing star is the more massive one.

If the Mass-Losing Star in a Close Binary System Is