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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A white dwarf is supported by electron degeneracy pressure, which arises from the fact that electrons in the star's atoms cannot occupy the same quantum state due to the Pauli exclusion principle. As the star's core collapses, electrons are forced into ever smaller spaces and are unable to occupy the same quantum states. This creates a pressure that supports the star against gravitational collapse. Neutron degeneracy pressure is responsible for supporting neutron stars, thermal pressure is pressure generated by the heat in a star, and radiation pressure is pressure generated by the photons of light emitted by a star. None of these pressures are relevant for white dwarfs.

What Kind of Pressure Supports a White Dwarf