How do stars form?

A star is formed from a nebulae, which is a cloud of dust and gas. The dust and gas particles are drawn together by the gravitational attraction between them. As the nebulae contracts, the dust and gas particles lose gravitational potential energy and gain kinetic energy, and a hot, dense region forms. This hot, dense region (known as a protostar) continues to attract more dust and gas particles; thus, it gains more mass, gets hotter and gets denser. Hydrogen nuclei at the core of the protostar will eventually have enough kinetic energy to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between them, and the hydrogen nuclei fuse together to produce helium nuclei. The fusion of the hydrogen nuclei releases energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Now, the inward gravitational is equal and opposite to the outward radiation pressure produced by the fusion of the hydrogen nuclei. Thus, a stable star is formed.

Answered by Stephen S. Physics tutor

1821 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does an ice skater spin faster when they hold in their arms?


Derive an expression for wave speed in terms of wavelength and frequency.


If a car is travelling over a curved hill, what is the maximum speed it can travel before losing contact with the road surface?


Uranium -238 has a half life of 4.5 billion years. How long will it take a 2g sample of U-238 to contain just 0.4g of U-238?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences