How does Angular Momentum relate to the rapid rotation of Pulsars?

In summary, the Conservation of Angular Momentum does play a role in the rapid rotation of Pulsars. However, the additional momentum comes from infalling material from a companion star, allowing some pulsars to rotate even faster than expected. The maximum recorded rotation speed of a pulsar is currently at approximately 700 revolutions per second.
  • #1
AbsoluteZer0
125
1
Hello,

Does the Conservation of Angular Momentum have any relation to the rapid rotation of Pulsars?
I've reasoned that the Angular Momentum of the "parent" star would be concentrated on the smaller pulsar and would produce a greater frequency of rotation.

Thanks,
 
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  • #2
AbsoluteZer0 said:
Hello,

Does the Conservation of Angular Momentum have any relation to the rapid rotation of Pulsars?
I've reasoned that the Angular Momentum of the "parent" star would be concentrated on the smaller pulsar and would produce a greater frequency of rotation.

Thanks,

You are basically correct, but some pulsars are even faster than that. The extra momentum comes from infalling material usually from a companion star. The max seems to be about 700 revolutions per second.
 
  • #3

1. What are pulsars and how are they formed?

Pulsars are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation. They are formed when a massive star reaches the end of its life and undergoes a supernova explosion, leaving behind a dense core made primarily of neutrons.

2. How do pulsars maintain their incredibly fast rotation?

Pulsars maintain their fast rotation, with periods ranging from milliseconds to several seconds, due to the conservation of angular momentum. When a massive star collapses, its rotation speeds up due to the conservation of angular momentum, just like a spinning ice skater pulling in their arms. This rapid rotation is then sustained by the pulsar's strong magnetic field.

3. What is the significance of pulsar spin-down?

Pulsar spin-down is the gradual decrease in the rotation speed of a pulsar over time. This is caused by the emission of electromagnetic radiation in the form of pulsar beams, which carry away the pulsar's angular momentum. Studying this spin-down allows scientists to estimate the age, magnetic field strength, and other properties of a pulsar.

4. How do pulsars emit beams of electromagnetic radiation?

Pulsars emit beams of electromagnetic radiation along their magnetic axis, which is typically not aligned with their rotation axis. This creates a sweeping motion of the beams, similar to a lighthouse, resulting in a pulsing pattern of radiation as the beams cross our line of sight.

5. Can pulsars be used for navigation or timing purposes?

Yes, pulsars have incredibly stable rotation periods, making them useful for keeping precise time measurements. They have also been proposed as potential tools for interstellar navigation, as their signals can be detected from great distances and remain consistent over time.

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