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(i) Explain the meaning of the Virial Theorem, i.e., E = U/2, where E is the star's total energ ...
(i) Explain the meaning of the Virial Theorem, i.e., E = ?U/2, where E is the star's total energy while U is its potential energy. (ii) Why does the Virial Theorem imply that, as a molecular cloud collapses to make a star, half of the energy generated must be radiated away? iii) What is the characteristic timescale of stellar contraction during the pre-main sequence?