 Stellar radius response exponent

The stellar radius response exponent measures how a star's radius changes as it loses mass. The adiabatic exponent ${\zeta }_{\mathrm{ad}}$ describes loss too rapid for thermal adjustment; the equilibrium exponent ${\zeta }_{\mathrm{eq}}$ follows a sequence of thermally relaxed stars. Compare ${\zeta }_{\mathrm{ad}}$ with the Roche-lobe radius response exponent to test dynamical stability.