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

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SUMMARY

Neutron-degenerate matter is inherently unstable in small quantities, decaying into protons, electrons, and antineutrinos. The critical mass for stability of neutronium is generally accepted to be around twice the mass of the Sun, which is the minimum mass required for a neutron star to exist in a stable form. This stability is directly linked to the surface gravity of the neutron star, which must exceed a certain threshold to maintain its structure against gravitational collapse.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of neutron-degenerate matter
  • Familiarity with neutron stars and their formation
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational physics
  • Concept of critical mass in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of neutron stars and their formation processes
  • Study the equations governing neutron-degenerate matter stability
  • Explore the relationship between mass, gravity, and stability in astrophysical objects
  • Investigate the decay processes of neutron-degenerate matter
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying stellar evolution and the properties of dense matter will benefit from this discussion.

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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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.
 

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