If electrons are collectively compressed into a very small volume (e. g., within the core of a dying white dwarf star) where quantum mechanical considerations become important in preventing one electron from occupying space near to a second electron (Pauli exclusion principle), what is the result?

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Elliott Miranda

Chemistry

23 March, 15:16

If electrons are collectively compressed into a very small volume (e. g., within the core of a dying white dwarf star) where quantum mechanical considerations become important in preventing one electron from occupying space near to a second electron (Pauli exclusion principle), what is the result?

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Kirby · Answer 1

Answer: A degenerate pressure will generate a large force to repel further compression.

Explanation: In the production of new stars from the core of old dying white dwarf stars, the inner parts of the star will experience contraction with the release of heat, as they contract, their atoms will be squeezed such that their electrons start to overlap, and because of the Pauli's exclusive principle which states that no two electrons can occupy same space, the electrons will begin to repel each other and an opposing pressure called degenerate pressure will create a force so that the electrons cannot continually be crushed or overlap. With the limit of contraction, the outer parts of the star will expand and be repelled releasing the old stars called nebula and creating space for the inner new stars to form.