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How does a star keep stable?
A star is born when atoms of light elements are squeezed under enough pressure for their nuclei to undergo fusion. And once the fusion reactions begin, they exert an outward pressure. As long as the inward force of gravity and the outward force generated by the fusion reactions are equal, the star remains stable.
What forces keep stars together?
A star is a sphere of gas held together by its own gravity. The closest star to Earth is our very own Sun, so we have an example nearby that astronomers can study in detail. The lessons we learn about the Sun can be applied to other stars. A star’s life is a constant struggle against the force of gravity.
What forces keep a main sequence star stable?
When stars are in their main sequence the forces on them balance. Outward radiation and gas pressure forces are balanced by gravity forces.
What are two most significant forces that shape the stability of a star?
Pressure and gravity. Pressure due to fusion reactions pushes outwards. Gravity pulls inwards to keep the star in equilibrium.
Which two forces can help a star maintain its equilibrium?
Stars live out their lives in an exquisitely detailed equilibrium, or balance, between two powerful forces — outward pressure and the inward pull of gravity. The gravity force is a property of the mass of the star, and in order to support itself against gravity the star generates energy in its core.
Why do main sequence stars remain stable?
During the main sequence period of its life cycle, a star is stable because the forces in it are balanced. The outward pressure from the expanding hot gases is balanced by the force of the star’s gravity. Gravity pulls smaller amounts of dust and gas together, which form planets in orbit around the star.
Which two forces oppose each other in a star?
Hydrostatic Equilibrium Two opposing forces are at work within a star: Gravity pulling inward wants to make the star contract. Pressure pushing outwards wants to make star star expand.
Why are the fusion reactions in the Sun stable?
It is stable, with balanced forces keeping it the same size all the time. During this period: radiation pressure from the fusion reactions tends to expand the star. forces caused by gravitational attraction and fusion energy are balanced.
How do stars maintain their equilibrium?
You can imagine a star as a series of layers. The inward force of gravity is balanced out by the outward force of pressure to keep the star stable. This stable balance, the outward pressure of hot gases balancing the inward pull of gravity is called the hydrostatic equilibrium.
What is the force that holds a star together?
What holds a star together is a balance of two forces pushing against each other. Gravity pulls the star’s atoms in towards the center, just as gravity pulls you toward the Earth. The fusion reaction going on inside the star pushes the atoms away from the center, towards space. Beside this, what are the 2 main forces in a main sequence star?
What makes a star stable in the main sequence?
While self- gravity pulls the star inward and tries to make it collapse, thermal pressure (heat created by fusion) pushes outward. These two forces cancel each other out in a main sequence star, thus making it stable.
Why do stars have to have a stable inner core?
This, by extension, means that the temperature and density of a gas in that layer has to be higher as well. This means that for a star to be stable, a star’s inner core must have a high temperature, density, and pressure to support its own weight. This is easy to remember. Let’s think of another pyramid to illustrate why.