Is nuclear matter a solid or liquid?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of nuclear matter and whether it has any shear strength. Nuclear matter is a term used to describe matter without free electrons, such as in neutron stars. The theory predicts that nuclear matter has a large shear strength due to the repulsive nuclear force and gravity holding it together. This is supported by the fact that neutron stars are extremely solid.
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Paul Colby
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Managed to get through a Ph.D. in nuclear physics without covering nuclear matter calculations (or I just don't recall it). My question is does nuclear matter have any shear strength, or is it like an ideal gas? What little I see of elementary calculations it's like a fermi gas so one would expect no shear stresses to speak of.
 
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What are you calling nuclear matter? All ordinary matter consists of atoms with nuclei and electrons.
 
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Okay, nuclear matter is a thing people study like for neutron stars and such where there are no free electrons. In ancient time (before quarks were more of a certainty) it's an ##A = \infty## where, ##A## is the atomic number nucleus, held together by a repulsive nuclear force and gravity. My question is does the current nuclear matter theory predict such stuff have a shear strength or is it more like a fermi gas?
 
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1. Is nuclear matter considered a solid or a liquid?

Nuclear matter is a unique form of matter that does not exist in the same physical state as solids or liquids. It is a highly dense and hot mixture of protons, neutrons, and other subatomic particles that exists in the core of atoms.

2. How is the state of nuclear matter determined?

The state of nuclear matter is determined by its energy and density, which are affected by factors such as temperature and pressure. At extremely high densities and temperatures, nuclear matter can transition into a quark-gluon plasma, which is a state of matter where individual quarks and gluons are no longer confined to protons and neutrons.

3. Can nuclear matter exhibit properties of both solids and liquids?

Since nuclear matter does not exist in the same physical state as solids or liquids, it cannot exhibit properties of both. However, it can display characteristics of a fluid due to its high density and the ability of its particles to move freely within it.

4. Is nuclear matter stable in its current state?

No, nuclear matter is not considered stable in its current state. It is constantly undergoing nuclear reactions, such as fusion and fission, which can change its composition and state. In addition, the extreme conditions present in nuclear matter make it highly unstable and difficult to contain for extended periods of time.

5. Can nuclear matter be manipulated or controlled?

Due to its extreme conditions and high energy, nuclear matter is incredibly difficult to manipulate or control. Scientists are constantly researching and developing new technologies and methods to study and harness nuclear matter, but it remains a complex and challenging field of study.

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