- Messages
- 39
- Reaction score
- 26
- Points
- 28
Could anyone please clear me out on how stars are formed? One question regarding it was given in the November session in the last five years, would really appreciate some help.
-
We need your support!
We are currently struggling to cover the operational costs of Xtremepapers, as a result we might have to shut this website down. Please donate if we have helped you and help make a difference in other students' lives!
Click here to Donate Now (View Announcement)
Formation of Stars in Physics?
- Thread starter Khurram Khalid Iqbal
- Start date
- Messages
- 943
- Reaction score
- 805
- Points
- 103
Its quite simple....This basic picture is according to the Fritz William theories of star formation.Below I am telling you the whole procedure:
Stars are formed in clouds of gas consisting mainly of hydrogen called nebulae. In space gravity pulls the gas and dust into a blob. Small blobs form around it(planets and moons). The central blob gets larger and larger. Gravitational Potential Energy is converted into thermal (heat) energy causing the temperature to rise. After some time, the the pressure and temperature become so high that the process of fusion begins. The blob lights up and a star is formed. Hydrogen atoms fuse together to form helium. As a result of the fusion the star expands.
Extra Info:
After several billion years, the main source of hydrogen has nearly run out. Heavier elements (iron) are formed. The star expans to an enormous size (Red Giant). Finally when the pressure is too high, and the mass exceeds a critical limit, the star explodes. This explosion is called a supernova. However remember that this information would not be asked in the exam but it is good to know it as applied questions regarding it may be asked.
Stars are formed in clouds of gas consisting mainly of hydrogen called nebulae. In space gravity pulls the gas and dust into a blob. Small blobs form around it(planets and moons). The central blob gets larger and larger. Gravitational Potential Energy is converted into thermal (heat) energy causing the temperature to rise. After some time, the the pressure and temperature become so high that the process of fusion begins. The blob lights up and a star is formed. Hydrogen atoms fuse together to form helium. As a result of the fusion the star expands.
Extra Info:
After several billion years, the main source of hydrogen has nearly run out. Heavier elements (iron) are formed. The star expans to an enormous size (Red Giant). Finally when the pressure is too high, and the mass exceeds a critical limit, the star explodes. This explosion is called a supernova. However remember that this information would not be asked in the exam but it is good to know it as applied questions regarding it may be asked.
- Messages
- 39
- Reaction score
- 26
- Points
- 28
Thank You. Appreciate the help. 
- Messages
- 943
- Reaction score
- 805
- Points
- 103
no problemThank You. Appreciate the help.
- Messages
- 36
- Reaction score
- 3
- Points
- 18
sorry to bump this thread, but in stars the major energy conversion taking place is nuclear to heat right?
- Messages
- 1,243
- Reaction score
- 1,891
- Points
- 173
Just wanna add whereby i complement what HarithAslam above said tht actuallt the gravitational energy is NOT converted into heat energy directly.its thru fusion and how does this fusion takes place.It has to be in the core where the g force is considerably enough to "press" the atoms together forming heat and finally fusion occurs and thts how we get a star.
Funfact:If jupiter were to be abt 50 times heavier than its own weight it would be a star coz this mass would produce enogh g force for fusion to occur
Funfact:If jupiter were to be abt 50 times heavier than its own weight it would be a star coz this mass would produce enogh g force for fusion to occur