Star whose pressure support is degenerate electrons.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the radius of a star composed of ionized hydrogen and supported by degenerate electrons, specifically focusing on how this radius varies with the star's mass. The context includes theoretical considerations related to hydrostatic equilibrium and electron degeneracy pressure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the need to consider hydrostatic equilibrium in addressing the question posed by the professor.
  • Another participant suggests that the concept of "electron degeneracy pressure" is relevant and provides a link for further reading on the topic.
  • Additional resources are shared, including links related to white dwarf star matter and pressure-radius correlations, as well as lectures on extreme stars.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to be exploring the topic without a clear consensus on the specific methods or equations to use for estimating the radius of the star.

Contextual Notes

There are no explicit assumptions or definitions outlined in the discussion, and the mathematical steps required to estimate the radius remain unresolved.

the ads 13
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My professor gave us a question to think about for discussion next week. He asked how the radius of a star, who is composed of ionized hydrogen and degenerate electrons, varies with mass. I am not quite sure where to start. How could I estimate the radius?
 
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Your professor is asking a question that requires you to consider hydrostatic equilibrium.
 
the ads 13 said:
My professor gave us a question to think about for discussion next week. He asked how the radius of a star, who is composed of ionized hydrogen and degenerate electrons, varies with mass. I am not quite sure where to start. How could I estimate the radius?

If the pressure support is degenerate electrons then you are talking about "electron degeneracy pressure"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_degeneracy_pressure
That might be a place to start.
 
the ads 13 said:
My professor gave us a question to think about for discussion next week. He asked how the radius of a star, who is composed of ionized hydrogen and degenerate electrons, varies with mass. I am not quite sure where to start. How could I estimate the radius?


You might find these two links helpful as well.




White dwarf star matter/pressure radius correlation.
http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/ast122/lectures/lec17.html


Lecture 19: Extreme Stars
White Dwarfs & Neutron Stars
http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/Unit3/extreme.html
 

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