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During the main sequence phase of a star's life, gravitational force and radiation pressure are balanced. Gravity pulls the star's mass inward, while radiation pressure, generated by nuclear fusion reactions in the core, pushes outward. This balance maintains the star's stability, allowing it to shine steadily for millions to billions of years, depending on its mass.

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During which stage do stars produce energy from the fusion of hydrogen into helium?

Stars produce energy from the fusion of hydrogen into helium during the main sequence stage of their life cycle. This is when a star is stable and balanced, and the fusion of hydrogen into helium in its core generates the energy that makes the star shine.


Why doesn't a star expand or collapse during the main sequence?

A star maintains equilibrium during the main sequence because the inward force of gravity is balanced by the outward pressure from nuclear fusion in its core. This balance between gravity and radiation pressure prevents the star from collapsing or expanding significantly during this phase.


What 2 forces are present during the liftoff of a rocket?

During liftoff, the two main forces acting on a rocket are thrust and gravity. Thrust is generated by the rocket's engines, pushing it upward, while gravity pulls the rocket back towards the Earth. These forces must be balanced for the rocket to achieve liftoff and ascend into space.


Is a star more stable in the main sequence phase or in the giant phase?

A star is generally more stable during its main sequence phase. In this phase, it achieves a balance between the gravitational forces pulling inward and the nuclear fusion reactions pushing outward, allowing for a long, stable period of energy production. In contrast, during the giant phase, the star undergoes significant changes in its core and outer layers, leading to instability and variability in brightness. Thus, the main sequence phase is characterized by a more stable and predictable state.


Name an example of a main sequence?

The Sun is a main sequence star, which is currently fusing hydrogen into helium in its core to produce energy. This stage of stellar evolution is characterized by stable fusion reactions that enable stars to maintain a balance between inward gravitational forces and outward radiation pressure.

Related Questions

When does the protostar become balanced?

A protostar becomes balanced when the gravitational forces pulling matter inward are balanced by the outward pressure due to nuclear fusion at its core. This marks the transition from a contracting protostar to a stable star in the main sequence phase of its lifecycle.


During which stage do stars produce energy from the fusion of hydrogen into helium?

Stars produce energy from the fusion of hydrogen into helium during the main sequence stage of their life cycle. This is when a star is stable and balanced, and the fusion of hydrogen into helium in its core generates the energy that makes the star shine.


What are the four main forces of a plane?

The four main forces acting on a plane during flight are lift (upward force generated by the wings), weight (downward force due to gravity), thrust (forward force produced by the engines), and drag (backward force due to air resistance). These forces are balanced to maintain stable flight.


Why doesn't a star expand or collapse during the main sequence?

A star maintains equilibrium during the main sequence because the inward force of gravity is balanced by the outward pressure from nuclear fusion in its core. This balance between gravity and radiation pressure prevents the star from collapsing or expanding significantly during this phase.


What 2 forces are present during the liftoff of a rocket?

During liftoff, the two main forces acting on a rocket are thrust and gravity. Thrust is generated by the rocket's engines, pushing it upward, while gravity pulls the rocket back towards the Earth. These forces must be balanced for the rocket to achieve liftoff and ascend into space.


Why doesn't a main sequence star collaspe under its own gravity?

Becasuse a star is balanced by Hydrostatic equilibriumSee related question


What forces act on rocket when taking off?

During takeoff, the main forces acting on a rocket are thrust (propulsion force pushing it upwards) generated by the engines, and gravity pulling it downwards. These forces must be balanced in order for the rocket to lift off. Additionally, aerodynamic forces such as drag can also affect the rocket's flight.


Is a star more stable in the main sequence phase or in the giant phase?

A star is generally more stable during its main sequence phase. In this phase, it achieves a balance between the gravitational forces pulling inward and the nuclear fusion reactions pushing outward, allowing for a long, stable period of energy production. In contrast, during the giant phase, the star undergoes significant changes in its core and outer layers, leading to instability and variability in brightness. Thus, the main sequence phase is characterized by a more stable and predictable state.


How does fusion begin in a sun-sized star?

During the main sequence of the star.


What nuclear process is occurring during the main sequence star?

Hydrogen -> Helium


Which part of the main sequence in the HR diagram contains the stars that took the longest to reach the main sequence?

The lower right part of the main sequence in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram contains the stars that took the longest to reach the main sequence. These stars are low mass and cool, so they undergo a longer contraction phase before they start fusing hydrogen in their cores and settle onto the main sequence.


Name an example of a main sequence?

The Sun is a main sequence star, which is currently fusing hydrogen into helium in its core to produce energy. This stage of stellar evolution is characterized by stable fusion reactions that enable stars to maintain a balance between inward gravitational forces and outward radiation pressure.