Question

A star is in hydrostatic equilibrium when the outward push of pressure due to core burning is exactly in balance with the inward pull of gravity. When the hydrogen in a star's core has been used up, burning ceases, and gravity and pressure are no longer in balance. This causes the star to undergo significant changes.

Which of the following evolutionary changes would bring a star back into hydrostatic equilibrium? Check all that apply:

a) A small increase in the star's internal pressure and temperature causes the star's outer layers to expand and cool.
b) A small decrease in the star's internal pressure and temperature causes the star's outer layers to contract and heat up.
c) A small increase in the star's internal pressure and temperature causes the star's outer layers to contract and heat up.
d) A small decrease in the star's internal pressure and temperature causes the star's outer layers to expand and cool.

Answer 1

a and b

Step-by-step explanation:

Hydro static equilibrium holds a star steady and balanced. Whenever a star stops burning hydrogen in its center, there must be evolutionary improvements to maintain equilibrium for the star Of example, if a star's internal pressure and temperature fall, gravity will take over and force the star to contract and heat up, restoring stability. By contrast, if a star's internal pressure and temperature rises, the extra pressure causes the star to widen and cool, restoring balance.

so, according to above explanation options a and b both are true

a) A small increase in the star's internal pressure and temperature causes the star's outer layers to expand and cool.

b) A small decrease in the star's internal pressure and temperature causes the star's outer layers to contract and heat up.