which type of star is in spectral class K and has a luminosity of 10^6

a. blue giant

b. white dwarf

c. red giant

d. red supergiant

1 answer

A star in spectral class K with a luminosity of \(10^6\) times that of the Sun (or \(10^6 L_{\odot}\)) would typically be classified as a red giant or red supergiant.

However, given the options you provided, the most appropriate choice is:

c. red giant

While red supergiants can also possess high luminosity, they are typically classified as spectral types earlier than K (usually M). Therefore, a K-class star with a luminosity of \(10^6 L_{\odot}\) fits best with the characteristics of a red giant.