How does the energy output from hydrogen shell burning compare to core hydrogen burning?
Answer
The energy output from shell burning is far more intense
Although the process occurring in the shell—hydrogen burning—uses the same fundamental fuel as the former core process, the energy released via hydrogen shell burning is considerably greater than what was produced when the fusion was confined to the star's center. This dramatic surge in energy output is the direct physical cause of the star's dramatic inflation, as this flood of extra energy provides a much stronger outward push against the force of gravity on the star's remaining outer envelope.
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