The energy released for white dwarf collapsing into neutron star

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the energy released during the collapse of a white dwarf into a neutron star, specifically examining the binding energy and its relation to supernova explosions. Key forms of energy identified include rest mass energy from ejected matter, binding energy due to atomic structure changes, and kinetic energy from ejected matter. The importance of quantum density and degenerate pressure is highlighted, along with the application of the virial theorem to analyze energy changes during the collapse. The relationship between the energy released in this process and that of a supernova is also emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of binding energy in astrophysical contexts
  • Familiarity with quantum density and degenerate pressure concepts
  • Knowledge of the virial theorem and its application in astrophysics
  • Basic principles of supernova mechanics and energy release
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the virial theorem in detail, particularly its implications in stellar dynamics
  • Study the role of quantum density in the collapse of stellar objects
  • Examine the mechanisms of energy release during supernova explosions
  • Explore the differences between white dwarf and neutron star characteristics
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in stellar evolution and the physics of supernovae will benefit from this discussion.

kdlsw
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The question is attached.
I'm not sure how to approach to part (b).
The energy released could be in 3 forms, the rest mass energy for those matter ejected during supernova explosion, the binding energy released as the atomic structure changed, the ejected matter carries off some kinetic energy.

I assume the question is only asking for the binding energy (as it mentioned "photons" in part (e))?
Quantum density, the degenerated pressure from electrons and neutrons are mentioned during lecture, but I'm not sure if these are necessary for this question

Please share some ideas with me, or maybe some solutions. Thank you
 

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Does the collapse of a white dwarf to a neutron star generally result in a supernova?
Notice that part (c) asks to compare with the energy released from a supernova ... should be a clue.

What are you told changes in the collapse?
What kind of energy do you normally associate with this change?

You'll need to check your notes about "quantum density" to see if you need to consider it explicitly.
 
Hint: Use the virial theorem (2T + V = 0). How much does the total energy change, compared to the potential energy? What happens to the change in energy?
 

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