How do we know that pulsars must be neutron stars?
A) We have observed massive-star supernovae produce pulsars.
B) Telescopic images of pulsars and neutron stars look exactly the same.
C) No massive object, other than a neutron star, could spin as fast as we observe pulsars to spin and remain intact.
D) Pulsars have the same upper mass limit as neutron stars do.
E) This is only a theory that has not yet been confirmed by observations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulsars are observed to spin incredibly quickly, with some rotating hundreds of times per second. Any object with mass spinning that quickly should fly apart due to centrifugal forces, but neutron stars are incredibly dense and possess strong gravitational forces that hold them together, making them the only logical candidate for pulsar formation. Other options (A, B, D, and E) do not provide adequate evidence to support their choice.

How Do We Know That Pulsars Must Be Neutron Stars