What process sustains the primary fuel source for a star like the Sun during its main-sequence life?
Answer
Fusion of hydrogen into helium
The stability and longevity of a star comparable to our Sun are entirely dependent on the continuous thermonuclear reactions taking place in its core. Specifically, the process involves the fusion of the star's primary fuel, hydrogen, transforming it into helium. This transformation releases the immense amounts of energy necessary to create the outward thermal pressure that perfectly balances the inward force of gravity. If this fusion were to cease or significantly slow down, the star would begin to contract rapidly, signaling the end of its main-sequence phase.
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