What resistance force exerted by the gas itself works to counteract gravitational compression in a nebula?
Answer
Thermal pressure
Thermal pressure is the outward force generated by the internal heat and kinetic energy of the gas particles within the nebula. This pressure actively resists the inward pull of gravity, attempting to keep the cloud stable and expanded. For gravitational collapse to proceed toward star formation, the concentration of mass must be significant enough for self-gravity to overcome this inherent thermal resistance, leading to a state where the kinetic energy conversion results in immense heat associated with the onset of fusion.
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