How does the protostar core generate intense heat before achieving stellar status?
Answer
Gravitational potential energy conversion into thermal energy
The protostar itself is defined as a hot, dense core that has not yet initiated nuclear fusion. Its intense heat is generated through gravitational contraction. As the copious amounts of gas and dust from the surrounding cloud fall inward onto this central mass, the gravitational potential energy inherent in their elevated positions is converted directly into thermal energy (heat) upon impact and compression in the core. This process causes the core to heat up immensely as it continues to grow by accretion from the surrounding disk.
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