Final answer:
The mass of a star determines its properties and ultimate fate. High-mass stars have high temperatures and luminosities, while low-mass stars have low temperatures and luminosities. The mass of a star can be determined through binary star analysis or by studying the H-R diagram.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mass of a star plays a crucial role in determining its properties. High-mass stars on the main sequence have high temperatures and high luminosities, while low-mass stars have low temperatures and low luminosities. Additionally, the mass of a star determines its ultimate fate and how long it will shine.
Astrophysicists have found that the structure and behavior of stars in equilibrium are determined by their total mass and composition. The mass-luminosity relation states that the most massive stars are typically the most luminous.
The mass of a star can be measured by analyzing the orbit of binary stars or by studying features on the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram.