Stars are fundamentally composed of what superheated state of matter, where light is emitted?
Answer
Plasma, where electrons are stripped from atomic nuclei
The substance making up the interior and visible layers of stars is plasma. Plasma is often described as the fourth state of matter, distinct from solid, liquid, and gas. In this state, the extreme heat and pressure cause atoms to become ionized—meaning the electrons are stripped away from the atomic nuclei. This mixture of free electrons and atomic nuclei constitutes the plasma from which all the star's light is generated and subsequently emitted outward. This composition contrasts sharply with the lower-temperature, less ionized gases found in planetary atmospheres.
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