Question

The state in which a star's gravitational collapse is balanced between gravity pushing inward and gas pressure pushing outward is called

Answer 1

Answer: Hydro-static Equilibrium

Explanation:

A fluid in its stable rest state is said to have hydro-static equilibrium. A star is composed of gases mainly hydrogen and helium. It is huge in size and mass. It does not collapses under its own weight because of the pressure exerted outwards by the ongoing nuclear fusion reaction in its core which balances the gravitational force. Thus, a star maintains a state of hydro-static equilibrium.

Answer 2

The relation between temperature and pressure is called the "equation of state of the gas". or "Hydrostatic equilibrium in ordinary star". Take for example a balloon, it will have a larger spherical shape, if the pressure inside exerted by the gas on a wall of a balloon balance the inward force exerted by the outside atmospheric pressure.  In a dying star which is being compressed by gravity, the gas is being squeezed so the molecules is moving rapidly, resulting to a very high temperature, and this provide a balance that counteract or balances the compressive force of gravity. The very high temperature inside the star is needed to balance the force of gravity, and it is provide by "nuclear fusion energy" or else the star would collapse under the force of gravity. Depending on the size or mass of the star, it will either become, a "neutron star" or a "black hole".