STELLAR

S TRUCTURE
a. Internal Equilibrium
Conditions

b. Physical State of Gas

c. Stellar Energy Sources

Intended Learning
Outcomes
Analyze
Describeinternal composition
the force that keepsofstars
stellar
in astructure
state of equilibrium

Explain the process by which stars generate energy in their

cores
Internal Equilibrium Conditions
Mathematically, the conditions for the internal equilibrium of a star can be
expressed as 4 differential equations governing the distribution of a mass, g a s
pressure, and energy production and transport in the star.
Internal Equilibrium Conditions
Hydrostatic Equilibrium
- the force of g ra vity tha t p ulls the stella r ma teria l towa rd s the center
is resisted by the pressure force due to the thermal motions of the g a s
molecules.
Internal Equilibrium Conditions
Hydrostatic Equilibrium
- the force of g ra vity tha t p ulls the stella r ma teria l towa rd s the center
is resisted by the pressure force due to the thermal motions of the g a s
molecules.
Internal Equilibrium Conditions
Mass Distribution
- mass which is contained within a given radius
Internal Equilibrium Conditions
Energy Production
- expresses the conservation of energy, requiring that energy produced in the star has to be
carried to the surface and radiated away
Internal Equilibrium Conditions
Temperature Gradient
- gives the temperature change as a function of the radius, i.e. the temperature gradient
dT/dr. The form of the equation depends on how the energy is transported: by conduction,
convection or radiation.
Physical State of Gas
Due to high temperature, the g as in the stars is almost completely ionized. The interactions
between individual particles are small, so that, to a g o o d approximation, the g as obeys the
perfect g as equation of state expressed in this formula.
Stellar Energy Sources
Nuclear Fusion
- is a process that combines nuclei in order to release energy. An example of this is when one
four-hydrogen nuclei combine to make one lighter helium nucleus.
Stellar Energy Sources
Proton-Proton Chain
- hydrogen are converted into helium-4 which produces gamma rays in the process.
Stellar Energy Sources
Proton-Proton Chain
- hydrogen are converted into helium-4 which produces gamma rays in the process.
Stellar Energy Sources
Proton-Proton Chain
- hydrogen are converted into helium-4 which produces gamma rays in the process.