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"Equilibrium" is a fancy word for "balance". There are two major forces at work within the Sun.

First is the explosive power of the Sun's nuclear fusion reactions. The Sun is powered by the equivalent of millions of nuclear bombs going off all at once, every second. That power should be enough to throw plasma beyond the orbit of Neptune.

However, the Sun's mass generates a very strong gravitational field, which tries to crush the Sun into a tiny dot of matter.

So the equilibrium is the balance between the outward thrust of the Sun's energy balanced with the attractive gravity of its mass, like a firecracker wrapped with rubber bands. If the solar reaction were to get more intense, it would cause the Sun to expand; if the solar reaction were to weaken, it would cause the Sun to contract.

In about 5 billion years or so, the Sun will begin to run low on its hydrogen fuel; the solar reaction will begin to weaken. The "balance" will fail. The gravity of the Sun will cause it to shrink - a little! But the compression caused by gravity will increase the pressure and temperature in the Sun's core, and at some point the pressure will be high enough to begin fusing the plentiful helium into oxygen and carbon - re-igniting the Sun's fire and causing it to swell to 50 or more times its size. This will be the "red giant" phase of the Sun's final life, and will incinerate all of the inner planets.

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Gravitational equilibrium means that the surface and the core of the Sun are at the same pressure?

The Gravitational Equilibrium of a star is when the amount of gravity being exerted by the center of the star on the outer particles of the same are balanced by a force pushing the particles out. In other words, it is when a star is not shrinking or condensing because of its own gravity. Possible outward forces counteracting the gravity could be radiation, heat, shockwaves, seismic waves, etc.


What are the equal and opposite forces acting on your sun to keep it in equilibreum?

The sun is kept in equilibrium by the balancing forces of the outward pressure from the energy of the nuclear reaction of hydrogen into helium and the inward force of gravity. This state is called Main Sequence. However, the sun is not in perfect equilibrium because as the sun's core of hydrogen is depleted, the next layer out of hydrogen will begin undergoing a nuclear reaction, causing the sun to expand.


How does gravity keep objects in orbit around the sun?

Gravity keeps objects in orbit around the sun by balancing the inward pull of gravity with the outward force generated by the object's inertia from its orbital velocity. This equilibrium allows the object to continuously fall towards the sun due to gravity, while also moving forward at a speed that prevents it from being pulled into the sun.


What are some events that can disturb the Equilibrium of a nebula and cause it to begin to collapse?

List some events that can disturb the equilibrium of a nebula and cause it to being to


For the sun to be stable the inward and outward forces within the sun must be?

balanced. The inward force is gravity, which wants to collapse the sun, while the outward force is generated by nuclear fusion in the core which produces energy and heat, preventing collapse. These forces balance each other, keeping the sun stable.

Related Questions

Why the earth is not thermal equilibrium with the sun?

because the earth and the sun is not in the thermal contact with each other that is why the earth & the sun is not in thermal equilibrium.


Why is earth not in thermal equilibrium with the sun?

because the earth and the sun is not in the thermal contact with each other that is why the earth & the sun is not in thermal equilibrium.


Why the earth is not in thermal equilibrium with yhe sun?

The Earth is not in thermal equilibrium with the Sun because the Earth receives energy from the Sun in the form of sunlight but also radiates energy back into space in the form of infrared radiation. This continuous exchange of energy maintains a temperature difference between the Earth and the Sun, preventing thermal equilibrium. Additionally, factors such as the Earth's atmosphere, albedo, and distance from the Sun also contribute to the lack of thermal equilibrium.


What are the forces acting in equilibrium within the sun?

In the Sun, the forces of gravity pulling inward are balanced by the outward pressure from nuclear fusion reactions in the core. This equilibrium maintains the Sun's stable size and temperature.


Why earth is not equilibrium with sun?

While the earth and the sun are roughly at steady state (the output of the sun stays fairly constant and the earth absorbs the energy from it at a fairly constant rate) they are not in equilibrium. To be at equilibrium, they would have to be sending out and receiving equal amounts of energy and mass. The sun sends out far more energy than the earth as well as dumping a lot more mass, in the form of "solar winds" than the earth ever does - thus they are not in equilibrium.


Why the sun is not equilibrium with earth?

While the earth and the sun are roughly at steady state (the output of the sun stays fairly constant and the earth absorbs the energy from it at a fairly constant rate) they are not in equilibrium. To be at equilibrium, they would have to be sending out and receiving equal amounts of energy and mass. The sun sends out far more energy than the earth as well as dumping a lot more mass, in the form of "solar winds" than the earth ever does - thus they are not in equilibrium.


Is internal equilibrium from quasi equilibrium?

No, internal equilibrium is not the same as quasi equilibrium. Internal equilibrium refers to a system being in a state where there is no net change in composition, while quasi equilibrium refers to a process that occurs almost at equilibrium, but not necessarily at the exact equilibrium point.


What is parasol?

a parasol is an umbrella for shade on a sunny day. being as they are traditionally made wih rice paper, they are only meant for sun.


What does the phrase hydrostatic equilibrium in the sun refers to?

Hydrostatic equilibrium in the Sun refers to the balance between the inward gravitational force and the outward pressure force generated by nuclear fusion. This balance maintains the Sun's stable structure and allows it to maintain its size and shape over time.


What does a place in the sun mean?

A 'place in the sun' meant a pleasant colony.


Where is the land of morning sun?

the land of the rising sun is japan. if that is what you meant.


What might happen if your hamster does get in the sun to much?

Hamsters are not meant to be out in the sun.