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Fusion is the process in which several hydrogen nuclei, with a single proton each, combine into a single helium nucleus with two protons and two neutrons. During this process, a tiny bit of the mass is "destroyed" and converted into energy, in accordance with Einstein's famous "e=mc^2" equation. Energy released is equivalent to the mass destroyed, times the speed of light squared. The amount of mass is VERY tiny - but the speed of light is a very large number, and multiplied by itself is an ENORMOUS number. So, a very small amount of mass is converted into a very large amount of energy.

That energy of fusion, expressed as heat, is the process that powers nuclear bombs, and the Sun's fusion is equivalent to millions of nuclear bombs going off all at once, every second. That much explosive power would certainly tend to blow anything apart!

Except, it DOES NOT, generally, blow stars apart, because the power of the nuclear fusion is balanced by the force of gravity; the mass of the star generates gravity, which tries to crush everything in the star down to a tiny point. And so a star is in balance; the power of fusion, contained by the power of gravity.

In some cases, when the large star's energy is boosted suddenly, a star CAN blow itself apart. We all this a "nova", and if it's powerful enough, a "super-nova", and it normally happens to very large stars (more than about 3 times the mass of our Sun) at the ends of their lives.

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13y ago
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4mo ago

Gravity is the force that pulls matter inward, causing a star to contract and increase in density. Fusion, on the other hand, is the process in which the star's core heats up and expands, pushing matter outwards. These two forces are balanced in a stable star, where gravity pulls inwards and fusion pushes outwards, maintaining its equilibrium.

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Q: Explain how gravity and fusion have opposite effects on a star?
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How do gravity and fusion have opposite effects on a star?

Gravity acts to pull matter inward, causing a star to contract and increase density. Fusion, on the other hand, generates energy by fusing hydrogen nuclei to form helium, resulting in outward pressure that counteracts gravity and maintains the star's stability.


Two main forces in a star?

The two main forces in a star are gravity and nuclear fusion. Gravity pulls matter inward, compressing it and creating the high pressure and temperature needed for nuclear fusion to occur. Nuclear fusion releases energy as light and heat, which counteracts the force of gravity trying to collapse the star.


How does gravity affect our lives?

Without gravity we would HAVE NO LIVES. For instance, gravity keeps our Earth together; and gravity is an important component in making the Sun produce energy via nuclear fusion.


Is it true that fusion provides a force that balances the inward force of gravity in creating stars?

Sort of - there energy released by the fusion occurring in the core of the star balances the force of gravity trying to make the star collapse inwards.As a star evolves this balance changes and the size of the star will change over time. When the material available for fusion runs out in the core, gravity wins the fight.


Explain How a main sequence star like the sun is able to remain stable?

The answer is "negative feedback", which is what provides stability in many other situations as well. In this case, if the fusion is too fast, the Sun gets hotter, expands... and the fusion gets slower. Similarly, if the fusion is too slow, the Sun will cool down, contract, and the fusion gets faster again. In summary, any deviation from a point of equilibrium will result in a tendency to go back to equilibrium.

Related questions

How do gravity and fusion have opposite effects on a star?

Gravity acts to pull matter inward, causing a star to contract and increase density. Fusion, on the other hand, generates energy by fusing hydrogen nuclei to form helium, resulting in outward pressure that counteracts gravity and maintains the star's stability.


How do fusion and gravity maintain stars in their current form?

Fusion pushes out, Gravity pulls in.


What is the force opisit of gravity?

The opposite force of gravity is the electromagnetic force. This force is responsible for interactions between charged particles such as electrons and protons, and it can either attract or repel these particles depending on their charges.


What is the opposite reaction to fusion?

fission


Two main forces in a star?

The two main forces in a star are gravity and nuclear fusion. Gravity pulls matter inward, compressing it and creating the high pressure and temperature needed for nuclear fusion to occur. Nuclear fusion releases energy as light and heat, which counteracts the force of gravity trying to collapse the star.


What force opposes nuclear fusion in the sun?

The force that opposes nuclear fusion in the sun is gravity. Gravity is constantly pulling inward, trying to compress the sun's material into a smaller space. The outward pressure from nuclear fusion counteracts this force, creating a delicate balance that maintains the sun's stability.


Why am I so bruised after spinal fusion?

Bruises are one of the after effects of spinal fusion.


Can you use De-Fusion on card effects?

"De-Fusion" can only be used on Fusion-type Monsters. No exceptions.


What are the examples of nuclear effects?

Fission and fusion


Why does the core collapse once fusion stops?

The energy released by fusion in the core of a star produces an outward pressured force that counteracts gravity. When fusion stops, that force goes away and gravity takes hold, causing the core to collapse.


What process release the most energy from nuclear fusion burning or shrinking due to gravity?

In a star a balance exist between gravity shrinking and expansion due to fusion energy released.


What does the collection of plugins known as 'Compiz Fusion' do?

The collection of plugins known as Compiz Fusion, gives a variety of display effects for the computer. These effects include effects such as Paint Fire, Desktop Cube, and others such as snow.