What are the two fundamental opposing forces governing a star's existence?
Answer
Gravity and Thermal/Radiation Pressure
The life of a star is controlled by a never-ending contest between the inward pull of gravity, caused by its mass, and the outward push generated by thermal and radiation pressure originating from core fusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two fundamental opposing forces governing a star's existence?What is the primary origin of the inward force acting on a star?What physical process generates the outward thermal pressure in a star's core?What term describes the state where a star achieves perfect balance between inward and outward forces?How is the state of hydrostatic equilibrium characterized?What causes a star to begin transforming into a red giant?How does the required fusion rate differ between low-mass and very massive stars?What outcome results when gravity wins the internal stellar struggle decisively?During which phase does a star spend the majority of its existence in near-perfect balance?What halts the initial gravitational collapse of a gas cloud to form a star?