Neutronium/neutron-degenerate matter: critical mass for stability?

In summary, neutronium or neutron-degenerate matter is a hypothetical state of matter composed entirely of neutrons, believed to exist in the cores of neutron stars. Unlike other forms of matter, neutronium does not have any electrons or protons and is incredibly dense and resistant to compression. The critical mass for stability of neutronium is estimated to be around 1.4-2 times the mass of the sun and is calculated using the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equation. Neutronium cannot be created on Earth, but scientists can simulate its formation in laboratories to study its properties.
  • #1
cephron
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I've read (in wikipedia, at least) that neutron-degenerate matter is unstable in small quantities, and would decay into protons, electrons and antineutrinos.

Is there any generally accepted estimate for the critical mass at which a ball of neutronium would be stable?
(Trying to calculate minimum possible surface gravity of a stable ball)
 
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  • #2
As I understand it neutron-degenerate matter can only exist in a stable form as neutron stars that have a minimam mass about twice that of the Sun.
 

1. What is neutronium/neutron-degenerate matter?

Neutronium, also known as neutron-degenerate matter, is a hypothetical state of matter composed entirely of neutrons. It is believed to exist in the cores of neutron stars, where the immense gravitational pressure forces the electrons and protons to combine and form neutrons.

2. How is neutronium different from other forms of matter?

Unlike other forms of matter, neutronium does not have any electrons or protons. Instead, it is made up of densely packed neutrons, which are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom. This makes it incredibly dense and resistant to compression.

3. What is the critical mass for stability of neutronium?

The critical mass for stability of neutronium is the minimum amount of mass that is required for it to maintain its stability and resist further compression. This critical mass is estimated to be around 1.4-2 times the mass of the sun.

4. How is the critical mass for stability of neutronium calculated?

The critical mass for stability of neutronium is calculated using the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff (TOV) equation, which takes into account the mass, radius, and density of a neutron star. This equation helps determine the maximum mass that a neutron star can have before collapsing under its own gravity.

5. Can neutronium be created on Earth?

No, neutronium cannot be created on Earth as the extreme temperatures and pressures required for its formation can only be found in the cores of neutron stars. However, scientists can simulate the conditions of neutron stars in laboratories to study the properties of neutronium and better understand the nature of this exotic form of matter.

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