What kind of pressure supports a white dwarf?
A)thermal pressure
B)neutron degeneracy pressure
C)radiation pressure
D)electron degeneracy pressure
E)all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A white dwarf is supported by electron degeneracy pressure, which arises from the quantum mechanical exclusion principle that prohibits two electrons from occupying the same state. This pressure becomes dominant once the thermal pressure has dissipated. The other options listed (neutron degeneracy pressure, radiation pressure) are relevant for other types of compact objects, such as neutron stars and massive stars, respectively.

What Kind of Pressure Supports a White Dwarf