GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE Meaning and
Definition
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Gravitational collapse refers to the phenomenon in astrophysics where the force of gravity causes an astronomical object to collapse under its own weight. This occurs when the inward gravitational force surpasses the outward forces, such as thermal pressure or radiation pressure, keeping the object stable.
Gravitational collapse is typically observed in large astronomical bodies like stars, galaxies, or even clusters of galaxies. When massive stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, they can no longer resist the pull of gravity, resulting in a collapse. As the star collapses, the immense gravitational forces cause the core to become denser and hotter, leading to a cataclysmic explosion known as a supernova or, in the case of heavier stars, a hypernova. The remaining material may then collapse further, forming a neutron star or, in extreme cases, a black hole.
In the case of galaxies, gravitational collapse is responsible for the formation of structures like galaxy clusters and superclusters. Under the influence of gravity, smaller galaxies come together to form larger structures. Over time, these structures continue to grow and evolve through mergers and accretion of surrounding matter.
Gravitational collapse is a fundamental process in the evolution of the universe, playing a crucial role in the formation of celestial bodies and structures. It is a phenomenon studied extensively in the field of astrophysics and cosmology, helping scientists understand the origins, evolution, and fate of the universe.
Common Misspellings for GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE
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Etymology of GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE
The word "gravitational" comes from the Latin word "gravitas", meaning "weight" or "heaviness", and the suffix "-al" which is used to form adjectives. The term "collapse" comes from the Latin word "collapsus", which is the past participle of "collabī", meaning "to fall together" or "to fall down". The term "gravitational collapse" is formed by combining these two words and refers to the phenomenon where the gravitational forces acting on a massive object cause it to collapse inward upon itself, typically leading to the formation of a more compact and denser object, such as a star or a black hole.
Similar spelling words for GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE
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