Is a flame hotter on the outside?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that the temperature of a star is hottest at its core, while the temperature of a flame can be counterintuitive. In stars, the core is the hottest part, as confirmed by the "Temperature" section on Wikipedia. In contrast, flames, such as those from a candle, experience combustion away from the core, leading to higher temperatures at the surface. This distinction is crucial for understanding thermal dynamics in both stars and flames.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stellar structure and temperature gradients
  • Basic knowledge of combustion processes in flames
  • Familiarity with thermodynamics principles
  • Access to resources like Wikipedia and Britannica for reference
NEXT STEPS
  • Research stellar core temperatures and their implications for astrophysics
  • Study the combustion process in different types of flames
  • Explore thermodynamic principles related to heat transfer
  • Examine the differences between various types of stars and their temperature profiles
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, physics students, and anyone interested in the principles of heat and combustion will benefit from this discussion.

animaul12
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I was recently told that the temperature of a star (or flame, for that matter) is hotter outside the star than it is inside. This wascounter intuitive, since heat obviously disperses, so the hottest temperature seemed to be at the source of the heat in the center of the star. Are stars and flames really hotter on the outside/surface/distance than they are on the inside/center?
 
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