Question

The equilibrium that a protostar needs to become a star is a balance between:

A. Dust and gas
B. Gravity pulling atoms toward the center and gas pressure pushing heat and light away from the center
C. Nebula and accretion
D. Gas pressure pulling atoms toward the center and gravity pushing heat and light away from the center

Answer 1

The equilibrium necessary for star formation in a protostar is the balance of gravitational force and gas pressure, leading to nuclear fusion when the core becomes hot and dense enough.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equilibrium that a protostar needs to become a star is a balance between gravity pulling atoms toward the center and gas pressure pushing heat and light away from the center. During the formation of stars, gas and dust collapse due to gravitational attraction, which causes the protostar to heat up as it contracts, converting potential energy into thermal energy. This process continues until the core becomes hot and dense enough for nuclear fusion to occur. At this point, the heat generated becomes sufficient to counteract the force of gravity, leading to hydrostatic equilibrium and the birth of a new star.