In the Case Where a Large Number of Stars of Different

question 210

Multiple Choice

In the case where a large number of stars of different masses all form at the same time (e.g.,in a cluster of stars) ,what does the phrase initial mass function mean?

• A) the mass of the largest star in the cluster divided by the mass of the smallest star
• B) the mass of the original cloud of gas and dust that collapsed to form the cluster
• C) the graph or equation relating the mass of each star to its luminosity
• D) the number of stars that form at each mass