Sample interview questions: Can you explain the concept of gravitational collapse and its role in star formation?
Sample answer:
Gravitational collapse is a fundamental process in astrophysics that plays a crucial role in star formation and the evolution of massive objects in the universe. It occurs when a massive cloud of gas and dust contracts under its own gravity, leading to a dramatic increase in density, temperature, and pressure.
Key Points:
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Initiation: Gravitational collapse is often triggered by various factors, such as shock waves from supernova explosions, collisions between gas clouds, or the presence of massive objects like a nearby star.
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Density and Pressure Increase: As the cloud contracts, its density and pressure rise significantly. This compression heats the gas, causing it to radiate energy and emit light. The increased pressure also helps to stabilize the collapsing cloud against further fragmentation.
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Fragmentation and Core Formation: During gravitational collapse, the cloud may fragment into smaller clumps or cores due to instabilities and density variations. These cores are the seeds of future stars.
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Protostar Formation: As the core continues to collapse, it accumulates more mass and becomes denser, forming a protostar. The protostar is surrounded by a rotating disk of gas and dust, known as the protoplanetary disk.
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Hydrostatic Equilibrium: Eventually, the protostar reaches a state of hydrostatic equilibrium, where the inward pull of gravity is balanced by the outward pressure generated by the heated gas. This marks the birth of a star.
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Star Formation Efficiency: The effi… Read full answer