What two opposing forces maintain stability during a star's long main sequence life?
Answer
Outward thermal pressure perfectly balancing inward crush of gravity
The stability of a star, particularly during the majority of its life spent on the main sequence, is predicated on a perfect equilibrium between two dominant forces. The energy generated by the sustained fusion of hydrogen into helium in the core creates a powerful outward thermal pressure. This outward push is precisely countered by the inward gravitational force exerted by the star's own massive structure. When the hydrogen fuel in the center is depleted, this balance is broken, gravity wins momentarily, causing contraction and heating, which subsequently ignites hydrogen burning in the surrounding shell.
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