You Discover a Binary Star System in Which One Star

question 106

Multiple Choice

You discover a binary star system in which one star is a 15 MSᵤn main-sequence star and the other is a 10 MSᵤn giant.How do we think that a star system such as this might have come to exist?

• A)The giant must once have been the more massive star,but is now less massive because it transferred some of its mass to its companion.
• B)Although both stars probably formed from the same clump of gas,the more massive one must have had its birth slowed so that it became a main-sequence stars millions of years later than its less massive companion.
• C)The two stars probably were once separate,but became a binary when a close encounter allowed their mutual gravity to pull them together.
• D)The two stars are simply evolving normally and independently,and one has become a giant before the other.

---

Definitions:

No Child Left Behind

A U.S. Act of 2001 aimed at closing the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice, so that no child is left behind in education.

Department of Homeland Security

A federal department in the United States established to ensure the safety and security of the country from terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters.

Average Tax Rate

The fraction of total income that is paid in taxes, calculated by dividing the total amount of taxes paid by the taxpayer's total income.

Legal Obligation

A requirement by law for an individual or entity to follow certain conduct or make certain payments.