Gravitational waves that carry energy and angular momentum away from the system cause white dwarfs to gradually spiral in toward each other and merge.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is true. As the two white dwarfs orbit each other, they emit gravitational waves which carry energy and angular momentum away from the system. This causes the orbit to gradually decay and the two stars to spiral in toward each other. Eventually, they will merge and form a more massive object like a neutron star or a black hole.

Gravitational Waves That Carry Energy and Angular Momentum Away from the System