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QuizMultiple Choice

High Mass Stellar Evolution — Quiz

Question 1 • Physics in the Universe

What happens when a neutron star exceeds the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit?

Answer
A
It undergoes nuclear fusion, creating heavier elements in its core.
B
It collapses into a black hole due to insufficient neutron degeneracy pressure.
C
It becomes a pulsar, emitting periodic bursts of radiation.
D
It expands into a red supergiant before collapsing into a black hole.

Explanation

The Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit is the maximum mass a neutron star can support against gravity. If the star exceeds that limit, neutron degeneracy pressure and other internal forces cannot prevent further collapse, so it forms a black hole. A pulsar is a rotating neutron star, not the inevitable result of exceeding this limit.

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