Term
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Definition
| the combining of nuclei of light atoms to form heavier nuclei with the release of much energy. |
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Term
| Why do nuclear fusion reactios not occur on the outer layers of stars? |
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Definition
| a star needs extremely high temperatures and densities. These conditions are found only in the core of a star. The outer layer serves as the thermal pressure which controls the rate of the nuclear fusion reactions. |
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Term
| What does the spin rate of a star have to do with whether or not it has a system of planets? |
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Definition
| the star's own magnetic field, tied to a disk of dust around the star could be slowing the rotation. There is a possibility that young planets have already formed in these dust disks and sopped up some of the angular momentum themselves. |
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Term
| In what way is a black hole blacker than black ink? |
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Definition
| the infinite density of the black hole causes such a strong gravitational well that not even light can escape from it. |
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