Which process is required to allow a gravitationally- collapsing gas cloud to continue to collapse?
A)The cloud must collide with other clouds.
B)The cloud must radiate much of its thermal energy.
C)The cloud must trap most of its thermal energy.
D)New dust particles must continually be made in the cloud.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a gas cloud collapses due to gravity, it heats up due to the compression. To continue the collapse, the cloud must radiate this thermal energy away in order to prevent thermal pressure from halting the collapse. If the cloud cannot efficiently radiate away its thermal energy, the collapse will slow or stop completely.

Which Process Is Required to Allow a Gravitationally- Collapsing Gas