How does an accretion disk around a neutron star differ from an accretion disk around a white dwarf?
A) The accretion disk around a neutron star is much hotter and emits higher-energy radiation.
B) The accretion disk around a neutron star is made mostly of helium while the accretion disk around a white dwarf is made mostly of hydrogen.
C) The accretion disk around a neutron star is more likely to give birth to planets.
D) The accretion disk around a neutron star always contains much more mass.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neutron stars have stronger gravity than white dwarfs, leading to a higher temperature in the accretion disk and higher-energy radiation.

Answer: B
 The composition of the accretion disk depends on the composition of the material being accreted. Neutron stars typically accrete helium-rich material while white dwarfs typically accrete hydrogen-rich material.

Answer: C
 Accretion disks are unlikely to give birth to planets as they are too hot and the material is moving too quickly.

Answer: D
 The mass of the accretion disk depends on the rate of accretion and the duration of the process, not on the type of compact object accreting. Therefore, the mass of the accretion disk can vary for neutron stars and white dwarfs depending on their individual circumstances.

How Does an Accretion Disk Around a Neutron Star Differ