How are neuton stars intensly magnetic?

In summary, neutron stars are able to generate a magnetic field because their cores are made up of a few percent of electrons and protons, which are charged particles. This high density of charge carriers allows neutron stars to be extremely good at supporting a magnetic field. Additionally, the crusts of neutron stars are made up of iron and other materials that are highly conductive, making them even more capable of generating a magnetic field. The idea of "quasi-neutral" does not apply to neutron stars as they have a high density of charged particles, unlike empty space.
  • #1
Superposed_Cat
388
5
Neutrons are neutral (obviously). I thought only charged particles could be magnetic. So how are neutron stars magnetic? Thanks for any help.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Why would you think such a thing? Are your refrigerator magnets charged?
 
  • #3
I mean they have charged particles. neutronium is not just quasi-neutral. Its completely neutral. Or is magnetism solely dependent on spin?
 
  • #4
Neutrons are made out of quarks (and gluons), and quarks are charged.
In addition, neutron stars are not 100% neutrons.
 
  • #5
But let's go back to the fundamental misunderstanding. Where do you get this idea of "quasi-neutral" from? Did you read it in a textbook?
 
  • #6
Superposed_Cat said:
Neutrons are neutral (obviously). I thought only charged particles could be magnetic. So how are neutron stars magnetic? Thanks for any help.

Neutron star crusts are of iron and stuff like that. The cores are a few percent electrons/protons, so neutron star cores are very dense with charge carriers. One or the other of these phases might have the highest density of charge carriers in the universe.
 
  • #7
Vanadium 50 said:
But let's go back to the fundamental misunderstanding. Where do you get this idea of "quasi-neutral" from? Did you read it in a textbook?
Sorry I know quasi neutral means something else.
 
  • #8
Neutron star composition

http:// upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Neutron_star_cross_section.svg/640px-Neutron_star_cross_section.svg.png

Image from:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star
 
Last edited:
  • #9
Neutron star cores are superconducting, by the way. The crusts are extremely conductive as well, so neutron stars are extremely good for supporting a magnetic field.
 
Last edited:
  • #10
mfb said:
Neutrons are made out of quarks (and gluons), and quarks are charged.

Yes, but that's true of all insulators except empty space.
 
  • #11
Hornbein said:
Yes, but that's true of all insulators except empty space.
And all insulators react to magnetic fields. Usually via diamagnetism. The interaction is often weak as the density is low (compared to neutron star material).
 

1. What is a neutron star?

A neutron star is a highly dense celestial object that is formed when a massive star collapses in on itself during a supernova explosion. It is composed almost entirely of neutrons, which are subatomic particles that have no electrical charge.

2. How are neutron stars formed?

Neutron stars are formed when a massive star runs out of nuclear fuel and can no longer support its own weight. The outer layers of the star collapse under gravity, causing the core to become extremely dense. This results in a supernova explosion, leaving behind a neutron star.

3. What makes neutron stars intensely magnetic?

Neutron stars have intensely magnetic fields because of the conservation of angular momentum during the collapse of the star. As the star's core shrinks, its rotation increases, causing its magnetic field to intensify. This process is known as "magnetic flux conservation."

4. How strong are the magnetic fields of neutron stars?

The magnetic fields of neutron stars are incredibly strong, ranging from 10^8 to 10^15 gauss. To put this into perspective, the Earth's magnetic field is only about 0.5 gauss. Neutron stars are known as the most magnetic objects in the universe.

5. What are the effects of intense magnetic fields on neutron stars?

Intense magnetic fields can have various effects on neutron stars. They can cause the star's crust to crack and release bursts of energy, known as "starquakes." They can also generate powerful beams of radiation and particles, which can be observed as pulsars when they sweep past Earth.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
48
Views
679
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
878
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top