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Chapter 21: Problem 13

Why does an isolated pulsar rotate more slowly as time goes by?

Short Answer

Expert verified
An isolated pulsar rotates more slowly over time because as it emits radiation, it loses energy. This energy loss is compensated by a decrease in its rotational energy, resulting in a slower spin.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding what is a pulsar

A pulsar is a highly magnetized rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation can only be observed when the beam of emission is pointing towards the Earth, similar to the way a lighthouse can be seen only when the light is pointed in the direction of an observer. This is what gives the pulsar its 'pulsing' appearance.
02

Rotation of a pulsar

Pulsars are born from supernovae, during which the core collapses under gravity. This collapse increases the rotation rate due to the conservation of angular momentum (similar to a spinning figure skater pulling their arms in to spin faster). As the pulsar continues to spin, it emits radiation.
03

Understanding why a pulsar rotate more slowly over time

When a pulsar emits radiation, it loses energy. According to the law of conservation of energy, this energy has to come from somewhere, and that source is its rotation. As it loses energy in the form of radiation, its rotational energy also decreases, causing the pulsar to spin more slowly over time.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Does a neutron star contain only neutrons? If not, what else does it contain?

What is the difference between superconductivity and superfluidity?

When neutrons are very close to one another, they repel one another through the strong nuclear force. If this repulsion were made even stronger, what effect might this have on the maximum mass of a neutron star? Explain your answer.

As stars go, pulsars are tiny, only about \(20 \mathrm{~km}\) across. Name three specific things or places that have a size or a separation of about \(20 \mathrm{~km}\).

Search the World Wide Web for the latest information about magnetars and soft gamma repeaters (also known as soft gamma-ray repeaters). How many soft gamma repeaters are known? Have any of these produced an intense burst since December 27,2004 ?
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