Lifespans of Low-Mass Stars:
* Sun-like stars (0.8 - 1.2 solar masses): Around 10 billion years.
* Lower-mass stars (less than 0.8 solar masses): Can live for trillions of years.
Why Low-Mass Stars Live Longer:
* Slower Fusion: Low-mass stars burn their nuclear fuel (hydrogen) much more slowly than massive stars. They have lower core temperatures and pressures, leading to a slower fusion rate.
* Larger Fuel Reserves: They have a relatively large amount of hydrogen fuel compared to their mass.
* Lower Luminosity: Low-mass stars emit less light and energy, meaning they consume their fuel at a slower rate.
Comparison with High-Mass Stars:
* High-mass stars (over 10 solar masses): Live for only a few million years. They have much higher core temperatures, leading to rapid hydrogen fusion and a much faster rate of energy production.
Important Note: The lifespan of a star is not a fixed value. It depends on factors like the star's initial mass, composition, and the rate of mass loss.