What theoretical concept defines the minimum mass or size required for collapse initiation?

Answer

Jeans Instability

The critical tipping point where a self-gravitating cloud or a section within it transitions from a stable state to an unstoppable collapse is defined by the theoretical concept known as Jeans Instability. This concept establishes the precise threshold—quantified by the Jeans Mass ($M_J$) and Jeans Length ($ ext{\lambda}_J$)—that must be surpassed for gravity to achieve dominance over the opposing internal pressures. When a region meets or exceeds this instability criterion, gravitational binding energy overwhelms the combined kinetic (thermal and turbulent) and magnetic energy trying to keep the material dispersed, leading to the commencement of gravitational collapse.

What theoretical concept defines the minimum mass or size required for collapse initiation?

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What Initiates Molecular Cloud Collapse? - Physics Frontier - YouTube

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