In the Process of Helium Shell Fusion in a Low-Mass

question 47

Multiple Choice

In the process of helium shell fusion in a low-mass star near the end of its life, the star moves upward and to the right on the asymptotic giant branch of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. In this process, the star is

• A) contracting, cooling, and hence becoming less luminous.
• B) expanding, heating up, and becoming more luminous.
• C) contracting, becoming hotter, and becoming much less luminous.
• D) expanding, cooling, and becoming more luminous.