What contest does a star's mass set the stakes for concerning gravity and nuclear fusion pressure?
Answer
The accelerated rate of hydrogen fuel consumption
Stellar mass is considered the paramount characteristic because it dictates the internal equilibrium of the star. This equilibrium is a continuous struggle between the intense inward crushing force exerted by the star's own gravity and the opposing outward pressure generated by nuclear fusion occurring in the core. A higher mass means the core must generate significantly greater pressure and higher temperatures to resist collapse. This necessity forces the massive star to burn its readily available hydrogen fuel supply at an exponentially accelerated rate compared to less massive stars.
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