What fundamental principle causes a collapsing, spinning core to increase its rotation rate?
Answer
Conservation of angular momentum
As a dense core undergoes rapid gravitational collapse and shrinkage, its rate of rotation increases dramatically due to the physical law known as the conservation of angular momentum. This principle dictates that for a rotating system, if its radius decreases, its rotational velocity must increase proportionally to keep the angular momentum constant, analogous to a figure skater pulling their arms inward during a spin. This rapid rotation is crucial because the resulting centrifugal force near the equatorial plane prevents direct infall, forcing the material into a flattened structure.
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