What is the primary mechanism generating the heat and light of a protostar?

Answer

The conversion of gravitational potential energy into thermal energy

The primary mechanism powering the protostar's heat and light is formally known as the Kelvin-Helmholtz mechanism, which involves converting gravitational potential energy into thermal energy as the material collapses inward.

What is the primary mechanism generating the heat and light of a protostar?
protostarstar formationastrophysicsenergy generation