For stars similar to our Sun, what core temperature is required to ignite the proton-proton (P-P) chain reaction?
Answer
Around 10 million Kelvin
The ultimate goal of the core heating process during the protostar phase is to reach the specific temperature threshold necessary for sustained thermonuclear reactions, which officially marks the end of gravitational contraction. For objects having a mass comparable to the Sun, this critical temperature for ignition is explicitly stated to be around 10 million Kelvin. Upon reaching this specific temperature, the fundamental proton-proton (P-P) chain reaction begins to operate, releasing energy that generates the thermal pressure needed to counterbalance gravity and finalize the star's arrival onto the main sequence.
Related Questions
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