Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars. Statement-II: Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Giant stars live much…

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer

Statement-I: Incorrect. In general, giant/massive stars exhaust their fuel much faster and therefore have shorter lifespans than dwarf stars; red dwarfs can live far longer.
Statement-II: Correct. Giant stars have higher core temperatures and pressures, so the rate of nuclear fusion reactions is greater than in dwarf stars.
Since Statement-I is false but Statement-II is true, the correct option is (d).