Exploring White Dwarf Composition: The Mystery of Electron Degeneracy Pressure"

In summary: Yeesss...now think about what you are suggesting as a mechanism for separation/"sedimentation" of charge...
  • #1
GhostLoveScore
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TL;DR Summary
Interior composition of white dwarfs and what keeps electrons from escaping out
As this page says: "A burnt-out star is basically a gas of electrons and ions. "

In white dwarf, further collapse of the star is stopped by electron degeneracy pressure. But, if the star material is just a soup of ions and almost free electrons, why don't the electrons and ions separate into onion-like shells? Why don't the nucleus' sink at the center of the core and begin neutronization, making a neutron star core, and leave electrons on the surface supporting themselves by electron degeneracy pressure? Why do they have to be mixed if electrons are not bound to atoms anymore?
 
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  • #2
GhostLoveScore said:
Summary:: Interior composition of white dwarfs and what keeps electrons from escaping out

Why do they have to be mixed if electrons are not bound to atoms anymore?
Are you familiar with Coulomb's Law?
 
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  • #3
This Coulomb's law? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulomb's_law
Of course

Aren't electrons in plasma behaving like electrons in metals, occupying conductive band and moving freely around the ions, not bound to one specific atom?
 
  • #4
GhostLoveScore said:
This Coulomb's law?
Yeesss...now think about what you are suggesting as a mechanism for separation/"sedimentation" of charge... Compare magnitudes of gravitational constant and Coulomb's constant...
 
  • #5
GhostLoveScore said:
Summary:: Interior composition of white dwarfs and what keeps electrons from escaping out

Why don't the nucleus' sink at the center of the core and begin neutronization, making a neutron star core,
How does a proton (or nucleus composed of protons and neutrons) become a neutron (or collection of neutrons)?
 
  • #6
Bystander said:
Yeesss...now think about what you are suggesting as a mechanism for separation/"sedimentation" of charge... Compare magnitudes of gravitational constant and Coulomb's constant...
Of course, Coulomb's constant is much greater. But given the immense pressures inside a white dwarf...
Astronuc said:
How does a proton (or nucleus composed of protons and neutrons) become a neutron (or collection of neutrons)?
Hmm, I see your point. Protons and electrons must fuse together.
 

1. What is a white dwarf?

A white dwarf is a type of star that has reached the end of its life cycle and has collapsed to a very small size. It is composed mostly of carbon and oxygen and has a very high density.

2. What is electron degeneracy pressure?

Electron degeneracy pressure is a quantum mechanical effect that prevents electrons from being squeezed too closely together. It is the main force that supports the structure of a white dwarf against the inward pull of gravity.

3. How does electron degeneracy pressure affect the composition of a white dwarf?

Electron degeneracy pressure is responsible for the high density of a white dwarf. As the star collapses, the electrons in the core are forced into a smaller and smaller space, causing them to reach a state of degeneracy. This in turn increases the pressure, preventing further collapse and leading to the unique composition of a white dwarf.

4. What techniques are used to study the composition of white dwarfs?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to study the composition of white dwarfs, including spectroscopy, which analyzes the light emitted by the star to determine its chemical makeup. They also use computer simulations and models to understand the physical processes at work within white dwarfs.

5. Why is understanding white dwarf composition important?

Studying the composition of white dwarfs can provide valuable insights into the evolution of stars and the processes that occur at the end of their lives. It can also help us better understand the role of electron degeneracy pressure in the universe and how it affects the formation and structure of other objects, such as neutron stars and black holes.

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