Chapter 23, Problem 1E

How does a white dwarf differ from a neutron star? How does each form? What keeps each from collapsing under its own weight?

To determine

The way a white dwarf differs from a neutron star.

The way a white dwarf and a neutron star forms.

The reason for each of the star to not collapse.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A star is a huge ball of plasma. Nuclear fusion reaction takes place in the core powers a star. It generates huge amount of energy in the form of heat and light. Like a living being, a star also takes birth, becomes young, grows old and eventually dies. The lifespan of star depends on its mass.

When a star runs out of fuel, it expels out most of its mass. The remaining core either becomes a white dwarf or a neutron star. It depends on the initial mass of a star. An average mass star like sun expands to become a red-giant first and then ends as a white dwarf star. A heavy mass star expands to become a supergiant and then ends up as a neutron star after its goes supernova. Both of these remnant cores are extremely dense. Electron degeneracy pressure prevents a white dwarf star from collapsing. Neutron degeneracy pressure prevents a neutron star from collapsing.