Neutron Stars & Black Holes Flashcards
(12 cards)
What happens to the core of a star after a supernova?
The core remains and becomes extremely dense.
What is the mass limit for a core to become a neutron star?
If the core is less than about 4 times the mass of the Sun.
What is a neutron star primarily made of?
Almost entirely of neutrons.
How does the size of a neutron star compare to its mass?
It has more mass than the Sun but is only a few kilometers in diameter.
What is a pulsar?
A rotating neutron star that emits radiation in pulses, visible only when the radiation beam points toward Earth.
Where is a pulsar typically located?
In the center of a nebula, such as the Cosmic Hand Nebula.
Describe the Cosmic Hand Nebula.
A nebula shaped like a hand, with a bright swirl of gas in the ‘wrist’ and a tiny but bright neutron star at its center.
What is the core mass limit for a star to collapse into a black hole?
If the core is more than about 5 times the mass of the Sun.
What defines a black hole?
An extremely dense object with gravity so strong that not even light can escape.
Why can’t we see black holes directly?
Because light cannot escape from them.
How do we know black holes exist?
They affect nearby objects with their gravity and some radiation may leak out around their edges.
What is a common misconception about black holes?
They are not actually a ‘hole’ but the incredibly dense core of a supermassive star.
