The limit to the amount of mass in a neutron star before neutron degeneracy pressure is unable to withstand the force of gravity and the neutron star is crushed out of existence into a black hole is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neutron degeneracy pressure is the force that opposes the force of gravity in a neutron star. This force arises due to the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two neutrons (or any fermions) can occupy the same quantum state. As more and more neutrons are added to the star, they are forced into higher energy states, creating a pressure that is strong enough to counteract the force of gravity.

However, there is a limit to the strength of this force. Once the mass of the neutron star exceeds about 3 solar masses, the force of gravity becomes too strong for neutron degeneracy pressure to withstand, and the star collapses into a black hole. This critical mass is called the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit, and it depends on the properties of neutron matter and the equation of state that describes it.

Therefore, option A is the correct choice.

The Limit to the Amount of Mass in a Neutron