What is the most important factor in determining the path a star takes when it leaves the Main Sequence?

What is the most important factor in determining the path a star takes when it leaves the Main Sequence?

The elements that make up the star

The star's mass

The luminosity of the star

The temperature of the star

3 answers

The most important factor in determining the path a star takes when it leaves the Main Sequence is the star's mass. The mass of a star directly affects its evolution, including what happens after it leaves the Main Sequence. Factors such as temperature, luminosity, and the elements present in the star also play significant roles, but the mass of the star is the primary determining factor.
what is the answer
The most important factor in determining the path a star takes when it leaves the Main Sequence is the star's mass.