What state is achieved when outward thermal pressure exactly balances the inward squeeze of gravity?
Answer
Hydrostatic equilibrium
Hydrostatic equilibrium represents the perfect, stable balance achieved by a true star during its main sequence life. This condition occurs when the continuous, powerful inward squeeze exerted by gravity is exactly counteracted by the intense outward thermal pressure generated by the energy released from core nuclear fusion. When this precise balance is maintained, the gravitational collapse ceases, the star stabilizes its size, and it settles onto the main sequence, the longest and most stable phase of its existence, shining brightly by converting mass into energy.
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