Calculations show that gravity begins to overcome thermal pressure in clouds that are
A)less massive than the Sun.
B)more massive than the Sun.
C)more massive than ten times the Sun.
D)more massive than a hundred times the Sun.
E)more massive than a thousand times the Sun.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The point at which gravity overcomes thermal pressure is called the Jeans mass, and it depends on the temperature and density of the cloud. For typical conditions in space, the Jeans mass is around 100 solar masses. Therefore, clouds that are more massive than a hundred times the Sun will have enough gravity to overcome thermal pressure and begin to collapse.

Calculations Show That Gravity Begins to Overcome Thermal Pressure in Clouds