0
How does contracting a protostar convert gravitational energy into thermal energy?
Sliding friction tends to convert kinetic energy into thermal energy, thermal energy being heat, kinetic energy being movement.
What else can I help you with?
How does a contracting protostar convert gravitational energy into thermal energy?
A contracting protostar converts gravitational energy into thermal energy through gravitational collapse. As the protostar shrinks in size, gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing the temperature and pressure in the core to increase. This process eventually leads to the ignition of nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing vast amounts of thermal energy in the form of light and heat.
What slow down the contracting of a star forming cloud when it makes a protostar?
trapping of thermal energy inside the protostar
What two forces are within a protostar?
Gravitational force - which pulls matter towards the center of the protostar and is responsible for its contraction. Thermal pressure - which is generated by the heat and pressure within the protostar's core and pushes outward to counteract the gravitational force.
A newly formed protostar will radiate primarily at which wavelength?
A newly formed protostar will radiate primarily in the infrared wavelength range. This is because the protostar is still in the process of contracting and heating up, emitting energy as thermal radiation at longer wavelengths as it evolves towards becoming a main sequence star.
What two forces maintain hydrostatic equilibrium in a protostar?
In a protostar, hydrostatic equilibrium is maintained by the balance between gravitational forces and thermal pressure. Gravity pulls the material inward, causing the protostar to collapse, while thermal pressure, generated by nuclear fusion and the heat from the collapsing gas, pushes outward. When these two forces are in balance, the protostar can maintain a stable structure as it continues to evolve toward becoming a star.
How does a protostar compress?
A protostar compresses primarily due to the gravitational attraction of its accumulating mass from the surrounding molecular cloud. As material falls inward, it gains kinetic energy, which increases the temperature and pressure at the core. This process continues until the conditions are sufficient for nuclear fusion to ignite, marking the transition from a protostar to a main-sequence star. The ongoing gravitational collapse is balanced by thermal pressure from the rising temperature, creating a dynamic equilibrium within the protostar.
What is a protostar's energy source?
A protostar's energy source primarily comes from gravitational contraction. As the gas and dust in a molecular cloud collapse under gravity, they form a dense core that heats up due to the increasing pressure. This process generates thermal energy, which raises the temperature of the protostar. Eventually, when the core temperature becomes high enough, nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium begins, marking the transition to a main sequence star.
What is the gravitational potential energy of a contracting interstellar cloud?
The gravitational potential energy of a contracting interstellar cloud increases as the cloud collapses inward due to gravity. This potential energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy and thermal energy, as the cloud contracts and heats up, eventually leading to the formation of a star.
Why does a protostar heat up internally as it contracts?
A protostar heats up internally as it contracts due to the gravitational potential energy being converted into thermal energy. The collapse of the gas cloud causes an increase in density and pressure, leading to a rise in temperature at the core. This process eventually triggers nuclear fusion and marks the start of a star's life cycle.
Can the temperature inside a protostar increase due to particle collisions?
Yes, the temperature inside a protostar can increase due to particle collisions. As the protostar forms, gravitational forces cause gas and dust to collapse, leading to increased density and pressure. This compression raises the temperature, and as particles collide with greater frequency and energy, the thermal energy of the system increases. Once the core temperature becomes sufficiently high, nuclear fusion can begin, marking the transition to a main-sequence star.
What causes the densest parts of the nebula to collapse?
The densest parts of a nebula collapse primarily due to gravitational forces. As regions within the nebula become denser, their gravitational pull increases, attracting surrounding gas and dust. When the pressure and density reach a critical threshold, the intense gravitational forces overpower the internal thermal pressure, leading to the collapse of these regions. This process can initiate star formation as the collapsing material forms a protostar.
How do you convert megawatts thermal to Btu?
To convert megawatts thermal to Btu, you can use the conversion factor of 1 MW (thermal) = 3,412,141 Btu/h. Therefore, to convert, simply multiply the number of megawatts thermal by 3,412,141 to get the equivalent in Btu.
