Pulsars:
A) spin very rapidly when they're young.
B) are the cause of gamma-ray bursts.
C) spin very slowly when they're young, and gradually spin faster as they age.
D) generally form from 25 solar mass stars.
E) emit radio in all directions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulsars are young neutron stars that spin very rapidly, rotating hundreds of times per second. This rapid rotation is a result of their conservation of angular momentum from their progenitor stars. As they age, pulsars can gradually slow down, but they generally start out spinning very quickly.

Note: B is incorrect as pulsars are not the cause of gamma-ray bursts, although they can be associated with them. C is incorrect as pulsars generally spin faster when they're young and gradually slow down as they age. D is incorrect as pulsars can form from stars of various masses. E is incorrect as pulsars emit radio waves in a specific direction, creating a "lighthouse effect" that produces periodic pulses of radiation.