What state is achieved during the main sequence when outward fusion pressure counteracts gravity?
Answer
Hydrostatic equilibrium
The outward pressure from hydrogen fusion perfectly counteracts the inward crush of gravity, establishing a state called hydrostatic equilibrium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What single characteristic almost entirely dictates the lifespan of a star?Approximately what percentage of a star's existence is spent in the stable main sequence phase?What state is achieved during the main sequence when outward fusion pressure counteracts gravity?For stars on the main sequence, how does luminosity (L) typically scale in relation to mass (M)?How does the main sequence lifetime ($t$) scale relative to stellar mass ($M$) based on the derived proportionality?What type of main-sequence stars are known for having the shortest lifecycles?What is the estimated main-sequence lifespan for stars exceeding $10 M_ ext{Sun}$?What is the projected main sequence existence duration for low-mass red dwarfs ($0.1 M_ ext{Sun}$)?What element builds up in the core of massive stars ($ extgreater 8 M_ ext{Sun}$) until fusion ceases and collapse occurs?What is the final remnant left behind by a star similar to the Sun after shedding its outer layers?What catastrophic event results from the core collapse of a very massive star ($ extgreater 10 M_ ext{Sun}$)?What is the main consequence of doubling the mass of a star, according to the $M^{3.5}$ luminosity relationship?