How do stars form?

A star is formed from a nebulae, which is a cloud of dust and gas. The dust and gas particles are drawn together by the gravitational attraction between them. As the nebulae contracts, the dust and gas particles lose gravitational potential energy and gain kinetic energy, and a hot, dense region forms. This hot, dense region (known as a protostar) continues to attract more dust and gas particles; thus, it gains more mass, gets hotter and gets denser. Hydrogen nuclei at the core of the protostar will eventually have enough kinetic energy to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between them, and the hydrogen nuclei fuse together to produce helium nuclei. The fusion of the hydrogen nuclei releases energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Now, the inward gravitational is equal and opposite to the outward radiation pressure produced by the fusion of the hydrogen nuclei. Thus, a stable star is formed.

SS
Answered by Stephen S. Physics tutor

2230 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Using the substitution u=cosx + 1, show that the integral of sinx e^cosx+1 is equal to e(e-1), for the values of x between x=π/2 and x=0


A car is travelling at 10m/s when it brakes and decelerates at 2ms^-2 to a stop. How long does the car take to stop?


Why does light change direction when it hits a surface with a different refractive index?


A ball is dropped from rest from a window 3m above ground height. How long will it take the ball to hit the ground? (You may assume air resistance on the ball is negligible.)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning