What fundamental physics concept dictates that a star must increase core temperature and density as mass increases?
Answer
The necessity to counteract the inward crush of increased gravitational pressure to maintain hydrostatic equilibrium
The stability of any star depends on hydrostatic equilibrium, where the outward thermal pressure generated by fusion balances the inward pressure exerted by gravity. When a star possesses significantly greater mass, the resulting gravitational force is much stronger, creating an immense inward crush on the core. To prevent immediate collapse under this intense gravity, the core temperature and pressure must escalate drastically, forcing the nuclear fusion reactions (the star's engine) to operate at a much higher, energy-intensive rate.
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