Question

a student created a data table containing information on how stars synthesize elements through nucleosynthesis. which row of data correctly identifies characteristics for that star?
row star name nucleosynthesis mass lifespan (yr)
(1) sun hydrogen → helium medium mass 4.6 billion
(2) sirius b carbon → oxygen high mass 0.223 billion
(3) aldebaran helium → carbon medium mass 6.4 billion
(4) wolf 359 hydrogen → carbon high mass 4.1 million
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Explanation:

• Row (1): The Sun is a medium - mass star. Its main nucleosynthesis process is hydrogen - to - helium fusion. The Sun's lifespan is about 10 billion years (it has already existed for about 4.6 billion years).
• Row (2): Sirius B is a white dwarf. White dwarfs do not undergo active nucleosynthesis (they are remnants of stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel).
• Row (3): Aldebaran is a red giant. Red giants are typically low - to - intermediate - mass stars that have exhausted their core hydrogen and are now fusing helium in a shell around an inert carbon - oxygen core. Helium - to - carbon fusion occurs in the core of some red giants (in the triple - alpha process). Aldebaran is a high - mass star (not medium - mass).
• Row (4): Wolf 359 is a red dwarf. Red dwarfs are low - mass stars. Their main nucleosynthesis is hydrogen - to - helium (not hydrogen - to - carbon).

Answer:

A. 1