What is the size of neutrons in a neutron star?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The size of neutrons in a neutron star remains unchanged despite extreme pressure; instead, the pressure compresses the electron cloud, neutralizing protons and resulting in a nucleus composed solely of densely packed neutrons. The diameter of this neutron-rich nucleus ranges from 11 km to 11.5 km, containing a mass between 1 to 2 solar masses. This unique structure allows neutrons to coexist closely without repulsion, leading to the formation of a massive nucleus. The discussion also touches on the implications of mass variations just below the threshold for singularity collapse.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, particularly neutron interactions
  • Familiarity with the structure of atoms and subatomic particles
  • Knowledge of astrophysics, specifically neutron star formation and characteristics
  • Basic comprehension of gravitational forces and their effects on matter
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of neutron stars and their formation processes
  • Explore the role of quarks in neutron composition and behavior under extreme pressure
  • Study the implications of mass thresholds for neutron stars and singularity formation
  • Investigate the relationship between neutron star density and gravitational effects
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying nuclear physics and stellar evolution will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the characteristics and behaviors of neutron stars.

Cato
Messages
56
Reaction score
10
Does the pressure within a neutron star compress the neutrons to a smaller size?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No. However, it squashes the electron cloud onto the nucleus were they neutralize the protons. What you are left with is an atom all squshed into the nucleus which in turn is madeup of neutrons only. Further, because neutrons don't mind been near other neutrons and the pressure is insanely high, basically the entire star collapses into a gargantuan size nucleus, which is madeup of densely packed neutrons only. The size of this nucleus is really huge by nuclear sizes. It measures no less than 11km and no more than 11.5km in diameter, depending of how closed the neutrons are squeezed. The mass is even more mesmerizing! 1 - 2 Solar masses, all neatly packed in an 11km ball! I hope this helps.
 
Last edited:
Yes, thanks. But imagine a neutron star just a milligram less in mass than required to collapse it to a singularity. Are the neutrons really still the same size as they are without that pressure? Do the quarks in the neutrons get pressed closer together?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Can you tell the difference between two neutrons in an alpha particle?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Neutron Star Cores: Study Quantum Gravity Effects?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad How Much Pressure To Cause Matter To Degenerate?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Neutron Stars: Flipping Up Quarks to Down Quarks
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad How Does the Size of Neutron Stars Compare to Black Holes?
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
6K
Undergrad Can proton/neutron decay be avoided in some conditions?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
High School Neutron Decay Outside of a Nucleus Near Absolute Zero
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Graduate Very last pulse from a neutron star
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad If We Crack the Neutron Star Equation of State, How Will It Change Our Daily Lives?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Graduate Has the merger of a neutron star and an anti-neutron star been modeled?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K