Chapter 21: Problem 30

Why is the maximum mass of neutron stars not known as accurately as the Chandrasekhar limit for white dwarfs?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The maximum mass of neutron stars is not known as accurately as the Chandrasekhar limit for white dwarfs due to its dependence on the equation of state of nuclear matter. This equation is less well known and can vary depending on the combination of particles, temperature, and density in the neutron star interior.

Step by step solution

Understanding Neutron Stars and White Dwarfs

Neutron stars and white dwarfs are remnants after stars have used up their fuel. White dwarfs are supported by electron degeneracy pressure, while neutron stars are supported against gravity by neutron degeneracy pressure. In both cases, the resistance to further compactification arises due to quantum mechanical restriction disallowing similar particles to occupy the same state, called the Pauli Exclusion Principle.

Understanding the Chandrasekhar Limit

The Chandrasekhar limit refers to the maximum mass that a stable white dwarf star can have, which is approximately 1.4 solar masses. Above this mass, the electron degeneracy pressure is insufficient to stall a further gravitational collapse, leading to either a neutron star or a black hole.

Why the Maximum Mass of Neutron Stars Is Less Certain

The maximum mass of a neutron star is more complex compared to a white dwarf's mass limit. It relies upon the equation of state of nuclear matter, which is less well known, and it can vary depending on the particular combination of particles present, the temperature and the density in the neutron star interior. Thus, we cannot accurately figure out the upper mass limit for neutron stars in the same way as the Chandrasekhar limit for white dwarfs.

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Why is the maximum mass of neutron stars not known as accurately as the Chandrasekhar limit for white dwarfs?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Neutron Stars and White Dwarfs

Understanding the Chandrasekhar Limit

Why the Maximum Mass of Neutron Stars Is Less Certain

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