What balance maintains stability during a star's Main Sequence phase?
Answer
Hydrostatic equilibrium
During the Main Sequence phase, a star maintains a stable size and luminosity because of a delicate balance known as hydrostatic equilibrium. This state involves the crushing inward force exerted by the star's immense gravity being perfectly counteracted by the outward pressure generated by ongoing thermonuclear fusion occurring deep within the star's core. As long as this internal energy production, typically the conversion of hydrogen into helium, remains steady, this perfect opposition of forces prevents collapse or catastrophic expansion.
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