The energy released for white dwarf collapsing into neutron star

In summary, the conversation discusses the approach to part (b) of a question regarding the energy released during a supernova explosion. The three forms of energy released are mentioned: rest mass energy, binding energy, and kinetic energy. It is suggested that the question may only be asking for the binding energy, as it mentions "photons" in part (e). The concepts of quantum density and degenerated pressure from electrons and neutrons are mentioned, but it is unsure if they are necessary for this question. The conversation also mentions the use of the virial theorem and checking notes about "quantum density." Finally, there is a question about whether the collapse of a white dwarf to a neutron star generally results in a supernova and asks for
  • #1
kdlsw
16
0
The question is attached.
I'm not sure how to approach to part (b).
The energy released could be in 3 forms, the rest mass energy for those matter ejected during supernova explosion, the binding energy released as the atomic structure changed, the ejected matter carries off some kinetic energy.

I assume the question is only asking for the binding energy (as it mentioned "photons" in part (e))?
Quantum density, the degenerated pressure from electrons and neutrons are mentioned during lecture, but I'm not sure if these are necessary for this question

Please share some ideas with me, or maybe some solutions. Thank you
 

Attachments

  • 2012Q9.PNG
    2012Q9.PNG
    29.7 KB · Views: 550
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Does the collapse of a white dwarf to a neutron star generally result in a supernova?
Notice that part (c) asks to compare with the energy released from a supernova ... should be a clue.

What are you told changes in the collapse?
What kind of energy do you normally associate with this change?

You'll need to check your notes about "quantum density" to see if you need to consider it explicitly.
 
  • #3
Hint: Use the virial theorem (2T + V = 0). How much does the total energy change, compared to the potential energy? What happens to the change in energy?
 

Related to The energy released for white dwarf collapsing into neutron star

1. What is the process that leads to a white dwarf collapsing into a neutron star?

When a massive star reaches the end of its life and runs out of nuclear fuel, it can no longer produce the energy needed to support its own weight. As a result, the core of the star collapses inward, creating a supernova explosion. If the core of the star is between 1.4 and 3 times the mass of the sun, it will collapse into a neutron star.

2. How much energy is released during the collapse of a white dwarf into a neutron star?

The collapse of a white dwarf into a neutron star releases an immense amount of energy, equivalent to about 100 times the energy output of the sun over its entire lifetime.

3. What happens to the material surrounding the collapsing white dwarf?

As the white dwarf collapses, the intense gravitational forces cause the atoms in the star to break apart and the electrons to combine with the protons, creating a neutron star. The remaining material is ejected into space, creating a supernova explosion.

4. Can we observe the energy released during the collapse of a white dwarf into a neutron star?

Yes, we can observe the energy released during this process through the detection of gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays.

5. How does the energy released during this collapse contribute to the formation of other celestial bodies?

The energy released during the collapse of a white dwarf into a neutron star can trigger the formation of new stars and planets in the surrounding area. It can also enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, which are necessary for the formation of life.

Similar threads

I Is it possible to unbind a neutron star?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Stability of a White Dwarf Against Gravitational Collapse
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Can proton/neutron decay be avoided in some conditions?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
270
I Energy Released From Dropping Things Onto Neutron Stars
    • Classical Physics
Replies
20
Views
769
I Can a White Dwarf Collapse into a Neutron Star Without a Supernova?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
I 9 y.o. question: will a spoon of neutron star matter explode?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
9
Views
1K
Initial Mass Function Question (white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes)
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Interested in Black Holes, Neutron Stars, and White Dwarf Stars
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
39
Views
2K
Astrophysics- White dwarf collapse
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
B Nature: "A massive white-dwarf merger product before final collapse"
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top