What is the primary difference in the mechanism driving energy output between a Main Sequence star and a Red Giant?
Answer
Main Sequence stars are core-driven fusion machines, whereas Red Giants are shell-driven expansion engines.
Main Sequence luminosity comes directly from stable hydrogen fusion in the core. Red Giant luminosity results from less efficient, voluminous burning in a shell surrounding the inert core, driving expansion.
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How Do Main Sequence Stars Differ From Red Giants? - YouTube
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