Black holes cause neutron fusion in neutron stars

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the hypothesis that black holes contribute to the formation of heavier elements like gold and uranium through the fusion of neutrons in the accretion disk when neutron stars are absorbed. Observations of the Milky Way's center support this theory, indicating a correlation between the presence of a central black hole and the abundance of heavy elements, as neutron stars have been consumed over time. The neutron capture process, specifically the r-process, is highlighted as a critical mechanism in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of black hole physics and accretion disks
  • Knowledge of neutron star characteristics and behavior
  • Familiarity with nuclear fusion processes, particularly neutron fusion
  • Basic comprehension of the r-process in nucleosynthesis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the neutron capture process and its role in nucleosynthesis
  • Study the r-process and its implications in astrophysics
  • Examine the relationship between black holes and galaxy formation
  • Explore observational evidence of heavy elements in galaxies
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students interested in stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis, and the dynamics of black holes and neutron stars.

JoeH
I read an article today stating that the possible explanation for the near total absence of heavier elements such as gold and uranium in many galaxies may be due to those galaxies not forming around a central black hole that has in absorbing one or more neutron stars causing fusion of neutrons in the accretion disk of the absorption. I have read elsewhere on this site that neutron fusion is not possible. These statements neglected to examine the extreme pressures and temperatures due to the absorption of the neutron star by an internal black holes gravity. The article also went on to state that observations of our galactic center shows support for this theory as our galaxy is rich in heavy elements and the central black hole is lacking any nearby neutron stars as they have been consumed in the past. Not being a particle physics guru I was hoping for a description of what takes place in a neutron fusion situation to produce these heavy elements.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you happen to have a link to the article?
 
JoeH said:
I was hoping for a description of what takes place in a neutron fusion situation to produce these heavy elements.
Sounds like you may be looking for info on the neutron capture process or "r-process" that occurs in neutron star mergers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-process

Also see the following @ 9:45 - 13:00

 

Similar threads

High School Mini Neutron Stars: What is the Smallest Possible?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Undergrad How Does the Size of Neutron Stars Compare to Black Holes?
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
6K
Undergrad Do black holes have magnetic fields?
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
High School What is the Maximum Mass of a Neutron Star?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad What happens when a Neutron Star forms a Black Hole?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
High School Colliding Neutron Stars Collapse into Black Holes
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Neutron star 4U 1820-30 spins at 716 revolutions per second
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
Undergrad The Heavier Elements: A Question About Their Abundance
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
High School Basic definition: Nuclear Fusion & Fission
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Why the center of black holes should be different from neutron stars?
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K