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Earth & Space Sciences · Stars & the Universe
Hydrostatic Equilibrium Simulator, Years 11–12
Students alter stellar parameters such as core temperature, fusion support and opacity and observe whether inward gravity and outward pressure remain balanced. It shows why stars are stable for most of their lives and what happens when that balance changes. The full interactive is available to licensed Education Universe users.
Years 11–12, UndergraduateExplorer
Learning outcomes
- Explain hydrostatic equilibrium in a star.
- Predict how changes in core conditions affect stellar stability.
Teaching guidance
Ask students to sketch the forces acting on a layer of the star before running each change.
Use Hydrostatic Equilibrium Simulator with your class
Start a free 30-day trial with class codes and progress tracking, or talk to us about your school's licence.
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Hydrostatic Equilibrium Simulator is one of the licensed interactives in The Education Universe. This page describes it; teachers use it in lessons and classes with a licence or the free trial.