A white dwarf star such as Sirius-B balances the inward gravitational force by

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A white dwarf star such as Sirius-B is supported by degenerate electron gas pressure as the inward gravitational force is balanced by the pressure exerted by electrons in the star, which are crammed closely together due to the immense gravitational forces. Radiation pressure is not sufficient to balance the inward pressure in such cases, and degenerate neutron gas pressure does not occur in white dwarf stars, as they do not have enough mass to cause a neutron degenerate state. Fusion reactions have ceased in white dwarf stars, hence choice D is incorrect, and recurrent novae are not relevant to the balancing of gravitational forces in white dwarf stars, hence choice E is also incorrect.

A White Dwarf Star Such as Sirius-B Balances the Inward