What are the properties of a star that affect its evolution?

The properties of a star that affect its evolution include mass, temperature, and composition.

The mass of a star is the most important factor in determining its evolution. A star's mass determines its core temperature and pressure, which in turn determine the rate of nuclear fusion reactions that power the star. High-mass stars have shorter lifetimes and end their lives in spectacular supernova explosions, while low-mass stars can live for billions of years and end their lives as white dwarfs.

Temperature also affects a star's evolution. A star's temperature determines the balance between the inward force of gravity and the outward pressure of radiation. Hotter stars have higher radiation pressure, which can counteract gravity and slow down their evolution. Cooler stars have lower radiation pressure and evolve more quickly.

The composition of a star also plays a role in its evolution. The abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium affects the rate of nuclear fusion reactions and the amount of energy produced by the star. Stars with higher metallicity (the abundance of heavy elements) have shorter lifetimes and evolve more quickly than stars with lower metallicity.

Other factors that can affect a star's evolution include rotation, magnetic fields, and binary companions. These factors can influence the star's internal structure and alter its evolution. Understanding the properties of stars and how they evolve is a key area of research in astrophysics.