Calculating Main Sequence Lifetime.

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SUMMARY

The main sequence lifetime of a 10-M⊙ star with a luminosity of 104L⊙, converting 10% of its mass from hydrogen to helium, can be calculated using the formula tms ≈ M/L. This results in a lifetime of approximately 5 years, which is consistent with the energy calculations derived from E=mc2, yielding a total energy of 6x1038 J. This short lifespan is plausible given the star's high mass and luminosity, indicating it will evolve rapidly after exhausting its hydrogen fuel.

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  • Understanding of stellar evolution concepts
  • Familiarity with the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
  • Basic knowledge of astrophysics formulas, particularly tms ≈ M/L
  • Proficiency in energy calculations using E=mc2
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  • Research the implications of mass and luminosity on stellar lifetimes
  • Study the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram in detail
  • Explore the processes of hydrogen burning in massive stars
  • Learn about the end states of massive stars, including supernovae and black holes
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Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of stellar lifetimes and evolution, particularly in high-mass stars.

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1. Calculate the main sequence lifetime in years of a 10-M\odot star if it has luminosity of 104L\odot and 10% of its mass will be converted from hydrogen to helium in the core. What will the end state of this star be?

Ok so I wasn't really sure what to put for working here as I have no idea where to begin, I've been searching around for a formula or something to calculate the lifetime but my lecturers notes are very vague and not helpful at all and numerous different google searches haven't helped in giving me a straight answer.

I found this formula somewhere but it doesn't make sense to me:

tms\approx\frac{M}{L}

Its part of a larger question involving the Hertzsprung Russell diagram which I've done however this bit I am totally stumped, if any of you guys could point me in the right direction or explain it to me i'd really appreciate it.

Oh and I should point out this is from a past paper, the only relevant information I could imagine is given to help on the front of the paper is (excluding the standards like Planck / speed of light etc):

Solar mass: 2x1030kg
Solar Bolometric Luminosity: 3.9x1026W
 
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Ok so I used E=mc^2 and got the total energy of the converted material as 6x10^38J
Which would sustain that luminosity for 5 years...

Thats roughly the same answer I got from the equation in my original post but I thought it was wrong because 5 years seems waaaaay too short.

Is that a plausible answer?
 
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