The pulsed nature of the radiation at all wavelengths that is seen to come from a pulsar is produced by the
A) mutual orbiting and eclipsing of two very hot stars in a close binary system.
B) rapid pulsation in size and hence brightness of a small white-dwarf star.
C) rapid rotation of a neutron star that is producing two oppositely directed beams of radiation.
D) extremely hot matter that is rapidly orbiting a black hole just prior to descending into it.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pulsed nature of the radiation seen from a pulsar is due to the rapid rotation of a neutron star, which is producing two oppositely directed beams of radiation. As the neutron star rotates, the beams sweep across the sky, causing the observed periodic variation in brightness.

The Pulsed Nature of the Radiation at All Wavelengths That