0
"Irregularities in the density of the gas causes a net gravitational force that pulls the gas molecules closer together. Some astronomers think that a gravitational or magnetic disturbance causes the nebula to collapse. As the gases collect, they lose potential energy, which results in an increase in temperature.
As the collapse continues, the temperature increases. The collapsing cloud separates into many smaller clouds, each of which may eventually become a star. The core of the cloud collapses faster than the outer parts, and the cloud begins to rotate faster and faster to conserve angular momentum. When the core reaches a temperature of about 2,000 degrees Kelvin, the molecules of hydrogen gas break apart into hydrogen atoms. Eventually the core reaches a temperature of 10,000 degrees Kelvin, and it begins to look like a star when fusion reactions begin. When it has collapsed to about 30 times the size of our sun, it becomes a protostar.
When the pressure and temperature in the core become great enough to sustain nuclear fusion, the outward pressure acts against the gravitational force. At this stage the core is about the size of our sun. The remaining dust envelope surrounding the star heats up and glows brightly in the infrared part of the spectrum. At this point the visible light from the new star cannot penetrate the envelope. Eventually, radiation pressure from the star blows away the envelope and the new star begins its evolution. The properties and lifetime of the new star depend on the amount of gas that remains trapped. A star like our sun has a lifetime of about 10 billion years and is just middle-aged, with another five billion years or so left. "
source: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=how-is-a-star-born
A nebula collapses to form a star due to gravitational forces overcoming the outward pressure created by the nebula's gases and dust. As gravity pulls the material closer together, it increases in temperature and pressure until nuclear fusion ignites at the core, initiating the star's life cycle.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What are two forces acting on the particles inside a nebula that effect its balance?
Two forces that act on particles inside a nebula are gravity, which pulls particles together to form new stars and solar systems, and radiation pressure, which pushes particles apart due to the energy emitted by hot stars within the nebula. These forces must be balanced for a nebula to maintain its structure and not collapse or dissipate.
What causes radiator hoses to collapse?
Radiator hoses can collapse due to a restriction in the cooling system, such as a blocked radiator or thermostat. This restriction causes a vacuum to form in the hoses, leading them to collapse under the pressure difference. Additionally, weakened or deteriorating hoses can also collapse over time due to the force of the coolant flowing through them.
What are two forces acting on the particles inside a nebula that affect its balance?
Gravitational force pulls particles inward, causing them to collapse, while gas pressure from nuclear fusion in the core generates an outward force to maintain balance.
Why does a bottle collapse when it has heated air?
When air inside a bottle is heated, it expands and increases pressure. If the bottle cannot withstand this increased pressure, it will collapse as the hot air cools down and contracts, creating a vacuum. The difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the bottle causes it to collapse.
Does the helix nebula have gravity?
Yes, the Helix Nebula has gravity just like any other object in space. Gravity is what keeps the nebula's gases and dust particles held together in its outer shell as it expands into space.
What force causes nebula to collapse?
Gravity is the force that causes nebulae to collapse. As particles within the nebula are pulled together by gravity, they begin to clump and form denser regions. This leads to the eventual formation of stars and planetary systems within the collapsing nebula.
What forces act on nebula?
The main forces acting on a nebula are gravity, which causes the nebula to collapse and form stars, and radiation pressure, which can push material away from the forming stars. Additionally, magnetic fields can play a role in shaping the structure and dynamics of a nebula.
What causes a nebula to collapse into a dense of mass?
A nebula can collapse into a dense mass when its gravitational attraction overcomes the outward pressure of gas and dust within it. This collapse can be triggered by external forces, such as a nearby supernova explosion or a shock wave from a passing star, causing the nebula to start contracting due to gravity. As the material compacts, its density increases, eventually leading to the formation of a protostar or a star.
Which did not occur during the collapse of the solar nebula?
One of the events that did not occur during the collapse of the solar nebula was the formation of the first stars in the universe. Instead, the collapse of the solar nebula led to the formation of our solar system.
Does a nebula turn into a white dwarf?
A nebula does not directly turn into a white dwarf. A nebula will collapse to form stars. Low to medium mass stars become white dwarfs after they die. Some are the result of a supernova and do not collapse, they merely dissipate over time. The Crab Nebula is the most prominent example of this.
What causes a solar nebula to initially begin to form a solar?
A solar nebula begins to form when a cloud of gas and dust in space collapses under its own gravity. This collapse can be triggered by a nearby supernova explosion, a shockwave from a passing star, or other disturbances in the interstellar medium.
Is friction responsible for the formation of a star?
No. A star forms when gravity causes a nebula to collapse. As the gas compresses it heats up. eventually, the heat and pressure ignite nuclear fusion.
What is a primordial nebula?
A primordial nebula is a cloud of gas and dust in space that is considered to be the precursor to a solar system or galaxy. It is believed to be the initial stage of the formation of stars and planets, where gravity causes the gas and dust to collapse and form larger structures. The remnants of primordial nebulae can be found in some regions of space today.
How do gravity and pressure keep a nebula from collapsing?
Gravity pulls the particles in a nebula towards the center, trying to collapse it. However, pressure from gas and radiation within the nebula counteracts gravity, creating a balance that prevents collapse. This balance is crucial for the formation of stars from a nebula.
How did the sun in the Milky Way galaxy form?
Gravitational collapse of a protostellar nebula.
What begins as a nebula?
Stars, planets, solar systems, many objects in space can start as a large unstructured nebula of gas and dust, which can coalesce into massive objects under gravitational influence.
Can a star be born whenever a nebula expands?
No. Stars are born when nebulae collapse, not when they expand.
