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Chapter 21: Problem 7

Why do neutron stars rotate so much more rapidly than ordinary stars? Why do they have such strong magnetic fields?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Neutron stars rotate more rapidly than regular stars due to the concept of conservation of angular momentum. When a star collapses to form a neutron star, the reduction in radius while mass remains constant, results in an increase in rotational speed. This phenomenon ensures the conservation of angular momentum. As for neutron stars' exceptionally strong magnetic fields, they are primarily due to the collapse of the stars. The reduction in volume during the stellar collapse results in magnetic field lines being drawn closer together, thereby amplifying the magnetic field's strength.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Neutron Stars

Neutron stars are stellar remnants left after a supernova explosion. They are extremely dense objects composed mainly of neutrons, which are created during the supernova when protons and electrons are combined under immense pressure.
02

Explaining Rapid Rotation

Neutron stars rotate more rapidly than ordinary stars due to the conservation of angular momentum. Before the supernova explosion, a rotating star would have a certain angular momentum, which is the product of its mass, velocity, and distance from the point of rotation. After the explosion, though the collapsing star's mass remains relatively constant, its radius shrinks, which causes an increase in the star's rotational speed. This enables the neutron star to conserve its angular momentum.
03

Understanding Strong Magnetic Fields

Neutron stars have strong magnetic fields because they are remnants of collapsed stars. Before the star's collapse, it had a magnetic field generated by the movement of charged particles within it. When the star collapses, its volume decreases, causing the magnetic field lines to come closer to each other. This strengthens the magnetic field, making it millions of times stronger than that of the original star.

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