We know that an object floats in a fluid if the density of the object is less than the density of the fluid. When some air or water is heated, it expands. That makes its density less than cooler air or water, so it floats in them.
<span>A star is born when atoms of light elements are squeezed under enough pressure for their nuclei to undergo fusion. All stars are the result of a balance of forces: the force of gravity compresses atoms in interstellar gas until the fusion reactions begin. And once the fusion reactions begin, they exert an outward pressure. As long as the inward force of gravity and the outward force generated by the fusion reactions are equal, the star remains stable. Clouds of gas are common in our galaxy and in other galaxies like ours. These clouds are called nebulae. A typical nebula is many light-years across and contains enough mass to make several thousand stars the size of our sun. The majority of the gas in nebulae consists of molecules of hydrogen and helium--but most nebulae also contain atoms of other elements, as well as some surprisingly complex organic molecules. These heavier atoms are remnants of older stars, which have exploded in an event we call a supernova. The source of the organic molecules is still a mystery.
STAR BIRTHS are started when the interstellar matter in gas clouds, such as the Eagle Nebula shown here, compresses and fuses. Irregularities in the density of the gas causes a net gravitational force that pulls the gas molecules closer together. Some astronomers think that a gravitational or magnetic disturbance causes the nebula to collapse. As the gases collect, they lose potential energy, which results in an increase in temperature. As the collapse continues, the temperature increases. The collapsing cloud separates into many smaller clouds, each of which may eventually become a star. The core of the cloud collapses faster than the outer parts, and the cloud begins to rotate faster and faster to conserve angular momentum. When the core reaches a temperature of about 2,000 degrees Kelvin, the molecules of hydrogen gas break apart into hydrogen atoms. Eventually the core reaches a temperature of 10,000 degrees Kelvin, and it begins to look like a star when fusion reactions begin. When it has collapsed to about 30 times the size of our sun, it becomes a protostar. When the pressure and temperature in the core become great enough to sustain nuclear fusion, the outward pressure acts against the gravitational force. At this stage the core is about the size of our sun. The remaining dust envelope surrounding the star heats up and glows brightly in the infrared part of the spectrum. At this point the visible light from the new star cannot penetrate the envelope. Eventually, radiation pressure from the star blows away the envelope and the new star begins its evolution. The properties and lifetime of the new star depend on the amount of gas that remains trapped. A star like our sun has a lifetime of about 10 billion years and is just middle-aged, with another five billion years or so left.</span>
Answer:
Light intensity refers to the strength or amount of light produced by a specific light source .
<span>After an exoplanet has been identified using a given detection method, scientists attempt to identify the basic properties of the planet which can tell us what it might be made of, how hot it might be, whether or not it contains an atmosphere, how that atmosphere might behave, and finally, whether the planet may be suitable for life. It is often useful to first determine basic properties of the parent star (such as mass and distance from the Earth). This is then followed by the use of planetary detection methods to calculate planetary mass, radius, orbital radius, orbital period, and density. The density calculation will provide clues as to what the planet is made of and whether or not it contains a significant atmosphere.
Mass and Distance of Parent Star
The mass and distance of an exoplanet's parent star must often be calculated first, before certain measurements of the exoplanet can be made. For example, determining the star's distance is an important step in determining a star's mass (see below). Knowing the mass of a star then allows the mass of the planet to be measured, for example when using the Radial Velocity Method.</span>
