What is the physical limit of compression of matter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physical limits of matter compression, exploring theoretical boundaries such as neutron stars and black holes. Participants consider the implications of quantum effects and the nature of different materials under extreme conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that a sugar cube-sized piece of neutron star has immense weight, prompting the question of whether matter can be compressed beyond this state.
  • Another participant suggests that the limit of compression may depend on the nature of the matter being compressed.
  • Concerns are raised about quantum effects, particularly forces of repulsion that could arise at high energy levels, affecting the behavior of electrons during compression.
  • Some participants propose that the ultimate limit of compression could be a black hole, referencing external sources for further reading.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the limits of compression, with some proposing black holes as the endpoint while others emphasize the role of material properties and quantum effects. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the nature of matter and the conditions under which compression occurs. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical implications of these ideas.

Matt Todd
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If a sugar cube size piece of neutron star weighs as much as every vehicle in U.S.A, and H2 in the core of Jupiter has been compressed to a metalic version of itself, what then is the limit of compression? Can matter be compressed further than that of a neutron star?
 
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Actually, thinking about this, I'm guessing it depends on the nature of the matter being compressed.
 
Hm.. wouldn't forces of repulsion come into picture due to quantum effects at such energy level.For instance you compress a bulk of say atoms, the more reshuffling of electrons takes place.
By reshuffling I mean electrons going back to their own orbitals.

Just a thought.
 
ibysaiyan said:
Hm.. wouldn't forces of repulsion come into picture due to quantum effects at such energy level.For instance you compress a bulk of say atoms, the more reshuffling of electrons takes place.
By reshuffling I mean electrons going back to their own orbitals.

Just a thought.

This is very interesting, wish I knew more about quantum mechanics.
 

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