What is responsible for a star's gravity? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is responsible for a star's gravity?

What is responsible for a star's gravity?

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Asked by J. Lautner, Last updated: Dec 07, 2024

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2 Answers

Anthony Paul Bonadio

Anthony Paul Bonadio

Its kind of my job to give answers

Anthony Paul Bonadio
Anthony Paul Bonadio, Teacher, MCA, PhD, Toledo

Answered Jan 31, 2019

With the gravitational shrinking of a gaseous nebula of material composed primarily of hydrogen, helium and trace amounts of heavier elements, a star's life begins. With the nebula shrinks, dividing into smaller clumps, atoms of light elements within the new star are squeezed under enough pressure for their nuclei to undergo fusion.

All stars are the result of a balance of opposing forces: the force of gravity compresses atoms in interstellar gas until the fusion reactions begin. Once the fusion reactions begin, they apply 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 secure.

As the star's core is thick, hydrogen changes into helium through nuclear fusion, releasing energy in the process. The star's internal pressure stops it from collapsing further under its own gravity. Without hydrogen and gravity as material, the formation of a star wouldn't be possible.

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C. Marcus

C. Marcus

C. Marcus
C. Marcus, Content Developer, Washington

Answered Dec 03, 2018

Are you surprised to know that a star actually has quite a strong gravitational pull? The bigger it is, the stronger its gravitational pull is going to be. Gravity plays a huge role in the life of stars. Without gravity, the star will be unable to form. It will start out small and will rely on the dust and elements that can be found in the system.

The stronger its gravitational pull becomes, the stronger that it gets more elements from the solar system. The stars cannot form without hydrogen but there is a lot of hydrogen that can be found. Without gravity and hydrogen, forming new stars will not be possible.

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