Astronomy quiz question: massive and luminous stars

Astronomy 10 Quiz 9, Spring Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Astronomy 10 learning goal Q9.3

[3.0 points.] Which one of the following statements best explains why the most massive main sequence stars are also the most luminous main sequence stars?
(A) They fuse hydrogen more rapidly.
(B) They are the youngest stars.
(C) They contain more unstable radioactive isotopes.
(D) They release more energy from gravitational contraction.
(E) (None of the above choices (A)-(D), as the most massive main sequence stars are not the most luminous main sequence stars.)

Correct answer: (A)

(Cf. previous post on main sequence lifetimes.)

Student responses
Section 4160
(A) : 25 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 5 students
(E) : 1 student