The Role of Gravity in Star and Planet Formation

In summary, the role of gravity in the equilibrium of stars is to counteract the expansion caused by the heat released during fusion and hold the star together. Gravity is also responsible for starting the fusion process by accreting matter and controlling the fusion reaction rate through temperature. In terms of planet formation, gravity plays a crucial role in pulling together matter to form planets and eventually, if the star loses enough mass, causing a supernova.
  • #1
qplazmgg
2
0
can u help me to explain the role of gravity in the equilibrium of stars in their production of enegry , and an explanation of the role of gravity in the formation of planets.
thankssssssss
 
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  • #2
quick and dirty answer

Basically stars are converting hydrogen into heavier elements (a process known as fusion), which released heat in the process. This heat attempts to make the star expand, which is held in check by the immense force of gravity.

A couple things to note:
1) It is gravity that is responsible for starting the fusion process. The stars accrete matter until they have a critical mass, at which point the gravitational force acting on the atoms causes them to undergo fusion.

2) As the star "burns" (it is not on fire, fire requires oxygen) it loses mass. This reduction in mass means that, over time, the gravitational force will not be enough to hold the star together. At that point we get a fireworks display known as a nova, or if the star is large enough, a supernova.
 
  • #3
Please do not double post - this question was posed yesterday. One should search for missing posts before reposting.

As for fusion - it's the temperature (or kinetic energy) of the nuclei that control the fusion reaction rate. Gravity holds it together.
 

Related to The Role of Gravity in Star and Planet Formation

1. How does gravity play a role in the formation of stars and planets?

Gravity is the force that pulls matter together, and it plays a crucial role in the formation of stars and planets. As a cloud of gas and dust collapses due to its own gravitational force, it begins to spin and flatten into a disk shape. This disk then becomes the birthplace of stars and planets.

2. How does gravity affect the size of stars and planets?

The strength of gravity determines the size of stars and planets. The more mass a celestial object has, the stronger its gravitational force, and the larger it can become. This is why stars, which have much more mass than planets, are much larger in size.

3. Can gravity cause fusion reactions in stars?

Yes, gravity is responsible for the fusion reactions that power stars. As the core of a star becomes denser due to gravity, the intense pressure and heat cause hydrogen atoms to fuse together, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.

4. How does gravity influence the motion of planets?

Gravity is what keeps planets in orbit around stars. The gravitational pull of the star causes the planet to continuously fall towards it, but the planet's forward motion keeps it from falling into the star. This results in a stable orbit around the star.

5. What would happen if there was no gravity in the formation of stars and planets?

If there was no gravity, stars and planets would not be able to form. The initial collapse of a gas and dust cloud, which is caused by gravity, is necessary for the formation of stars and planets. Without gravity, the gas and dust particles would simply continue to disperse, and the formation of celestial objects would not be possible.

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