Outline the process of star formation, including all relevant factors that influence the outcome
What will be an ideal response?
An interstellar cloud, disturbed in some way, begins to gravitationally collapse. It heats up as it collapses, and spins faster. (If the spinning is too great it may defeat the entire process, as the protostar tears itself apart.) Eventually the core of the cloud is hot enough that it develops a definite glowing edge (photosphere), and begins to resemble a star. When the core temperature reaches 10 million K and nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium begins, it is officially a star. When the outward pressure equalizes with gravity, the star enters the main sequence. Collisions between galaxies can set up a shock wave to initiate collapse, as can the shock waves from supernovae and the density wave moving through the spiral arms of the galaxy.
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The rms speed of a certain sample of carbon dioxide molecules, with a molecular weight of 44 g/mole, is 396 m/s. What is the rms speed of water molecules, with a molecular weight of 18 g/mol, at the same temperature?
A) 253 m/s B) 387 m/s C) 421 m/s D) 506 m/s E) 619 m/s
A(n) ______________ is equivalent to 3.26 light-years
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Air is considered unstable when it
A) continues to rise because it is warmer than surrounding air. B) behaves unpredictably. C) warms as it descends. D) cools as it rises.
William Herschel's original model for our Galaxy was based on counting stars
Indicate whether the statement is true or false