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TonyTT
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Why are all stars not the same size? Given that the nuclear fusion within a star begins when the pressure/temperature in the core of a collapsing cloud reaches certain parameters, why are all stars not the same size?
Stars vary in size because of the different stages of their life cycles. When a star is born, it is made up of gas and dust particles that are pulled together by gravity. The amount of matter that is pulled together determines the size of the star. As the star ages and burns through its fuel, it may expand or contract, affecting its size.
The main factor that affects the size of a star is the amount of matter it has. The more matter, the larger the star will be. Other factors that can impact a star's size include its age, composition, and environment.
Scientists use a unit called the solar radius to measure the size of stars. One solar radius is equal to the radius of our Sun, which is about 696,000 kilometers. They also use telescopes and other instruments to measure the distance and brightness of stars, which can give clues about their size.
Yes, stars can change in size during their lifetime. As mentioned earlier, as a star burns through its fuel, it may expand or contract. This can also be influenced by other factors such as interactions with other stars or the presence of planets in its solar system.
While there may be stars that are similar in size, it is very rare for two stars to be exactly the same size. This is because each star has its own unique history and environment that can affect its size. However, there are categories of stars, such as red giants or white dwarfs, that have a specific range of sizes that they typically fall into.