Why can high-mass stars "burn" helium more easily than low-mass stars?
A) A high-mass star's core is already very hot, so it only needs to compress its core a little to burn helium.
B) High-mass stars are already burning helium on the main sequence.
C) Low-mass stars have proportionately less helium than high-mass stars.
D) This statement is false. It is much harder for high-mass stars to burn helium.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

High-mass stars have higher core temperatures and pressures, allowing them to reach the conditions necessary for helium fusion more easily than low-mass stars.

Why Can High-Mass Stars "Burn" Helium More Easily Than Low-Mass