Understanding Degeneracy Pressure in Neutron Systems

In summary, the conversation discusses the emission of energy when neutrons come together and the possibility of this energy pushing other neutrons out of a ball. It is mentioned that this scenario may occur in neutron stars, but on an atomic scale, there is no process of neutrons coming together. It is then explained that this may be due to degeneracy pressure, where neutrons obey the Pauli exclusion principle unless they are extremely cold. Overall, there is no energy emission but rather energy transfer in the form of sound waves, light, and collisions that serve to bring the system in equilibrium.
  • #1
Rothiemurchus
203
1
When neutrons come together energy is emitted.If there are a lot of neutrons close together in a ball,will the energy emitted by the neutrons at the centre of the ball push the neutrons nearer the surface out of the ball?
 
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  • #2
What sort of situation are you referring to? Neutron stars? On an ordinary atomic scale level, there is no such process as neutrons coming together.
 
  • #3
this sounds like degeneracy pressure. The neutrons have spin 1/2, so they must obey the Pauli exclusion principle... unless they are unrealistically cold, much less than 10^-30K or something ridiculous like that, then they form bosonic pairs and behave like bosons, much like what electrons do at low energies in a superconductor (my thermal physics prof. told me the gist of a paper that another prof. wrote at the U of M). For all practical purposes, neutrons will always obey the Pauli exclusion principle, and hence we can speak of things such as "degeneracy pressure", but as far as I know, there simply is no "energy emission". Perhaps you mean energy transfer in the form of sound waves, light, collisions and the sort? As long as the system has a temperature gradient, there will always be energy transfer which will serve to bring the system in equilibrium.
 

1. What is a neutron and what is its role in an atom?

A neutron is a subatomic particle with a neutral charge that is found in the nucleus of an atom. Its role is to help stabilize the positively charged protons in the nucleus through the strong nuclear force.

2. What is binding energy and why is it important?

Binding energy is the amount of energy required to break apart the nucleus of an atom into its individual protons and neutrons. It is important because it determines the stability and strength of an atom. The higher the binding energy, the more stable the atom is.

3. How does the number of neutrons affect binding energy?

The number of neutrons in an atom can affect its binding energy by influencing the balance between the strong nuclear force and electromagnetic force within the nucleus. Too many or too few neutrons can disrupt this balance and make the atom less stable.

4. Can binding energy be measured and if so, how?

Yes, binding energy can be measured using a mass spectrometer. This device measures the mass of individual atoms and can detect the difference in mass between an atom and its individual protons and neutrons. The difference in mass is then converted into energy using Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2.

5. How does binding energy play a role in nuclear reactions?

In nuclear reactions, binding energy is released or absorbed as atoms undergo fusion or fission. This energy is what powers nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. The amount of binding energy released or absorbed in a reaction determines its efficiency and potential impact.

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