What opposing force balances the inward pull of gravity in a stable star?
Answer
Outward push generated by the heat of nuclear fusion in its core
A star maintains its structure and stability through a constant, violent equilibrium between two primary forces. The overwhelming inward force is generated by the star's own gravity, which seeks to crush the mass toward the center. Counteracting this gravitational crush is the intense outward push generated by the tremendous heat released from continuous nuclear fusion reactions occurring within the star's core. When these forces are balanced, the star remains in hydrostatic equilibrium on the main sequence, neither collapsing nor expanding uncontrollably.
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