The Origin of Stellar Energy by Professor G Srinivasan

Explore the fascinating world of stellar energy in this comprehensive lecture by Professor G Srinivasan from the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences. Delve into the fundamental physics behind stars, examining their structure, composition, and the processes that power them. Learn about hydrostatic equilibrium, radiation pressure, and the virial theorem as applied to celestial bodies. Discover the groundbreaking work of Sir Arthur Eddington and his theory of stars. Investigate the intricacies of nuclear fusion, including proton-proton reactions, quantum tunneling, and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. Examine various nuclear cycles and fusion reactions that occur within stars, and understand the factors determining stellar lifetimes. Gain insights into the "onion skin" model of stellar structure and the composition of a star's core at the end of its life. Conclude with an exploration of stellar stability mechanisms and participate in a Q&A session to further enhance your understanding of astrophysics.

Summer course 2018 - A Random walk in astro-physics
The Origin of Stellar Energy Lecture-08
What are the stars?
Stars as globes of perfect gas
Hydrostatic Equilibrium
Boyle's Law
Equation of Hydrostatic Equilibrium
Stars are globes of gas in which the inward pull of gravity is balanced by the combined effect of the pressure of an ideal gas and the pressure of radiation.
Eddington's theory of stars
Radiation Pressure
Hydrostatic Equilibrium
Why do the stars shine?
Why does the Sun shine?
Virial Theorem applied to the Sun
How long will the heat last?
Sir Arthur Eddington
Mass Deficit
Proton - proton collision
Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution
Quantum Tunnelling
Energy production in the Sun
proton - proton reaction
Nuclear cycles
To burn or not to burn? That is the question
Coulomb barrier
Fusion reactions
Onion skin model of a star
The composition of the core when nuclear reactions finally stop
Lifetime of stars
Why doesn't the Sun blow up?
The Safety Valve
Q&A