Astrophysics: Chandrasekhar and Star Collapse
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Questions and Answers

What critical concept about white dwarf stars did Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar discover?

  • The relationship between star temperature and luminosity
  • The time it takes for a white dwarf to cool down
  • The Chandrasekhar limit (correct)
  • The chemical composition of white dwarf stars

    • At what age did Chandrasekhar earn his degree?

  • 14 (correct)
  • 18
  • 16
  • 20

    • Which major scientific milestone confirmed Chandrasekhar's theory about stellar collapse?

  • The discovery of exoplanets
  • The detection of gravitational waves
  • The observation of the first black hole (correct)
  • The discovery of neutron stars

    • What was a major reaction of Chandrasekhar's contemporaries to his theory?

    <p>They largely deemed it ludicrous (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year was Chandrasekhar awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics?

    <p>1983 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of Chandrasekhar's roles that contributed to scientific literature?

    <p>Editor of <em>The Astrophysical Journal</em> (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the Chandrasekhar limit?

    <p>It is the maximum mass for white dwarfs before they collapse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where did Chandrasekhar complete his doctoral studies?

    <p>Cambridge University (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the specified mass limit in the Chandrasekhar limit?

    <p>1.44 times the mass of the Sun (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which quote is attributed to Chandrasekhar regarding science?

    <p>In science, beauty is often the source of delight (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar

    An Indian-American astrophysicist known for his work on stellar evolution and white dwarf stars.

    Chandrasekhar Limit

    The maximum mass of a white dwarf star, about 1.44 solar masses, beyond which it will collapse.

    White Dwarf Stars

    Stellar remnants left after a star has exhausted its nuclear fuel, usually small and dense.

    Nobel Prize in Physics 1983

    Award jointly received by Chandrasekhar and William Fowler for their contributions to astrophysics.

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    Astrophysics PhD at Cambridge

    Chandrasekhar earned this in 1930, cementing his foundation in stellar studies.

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    Voyage to England

    During this trip, he defined the Chandrasekhar limit, marking a pivotal moment in astrophysics.

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    The maximum mass of Ideal White Dwarfs

    Title of Chandrasekhar's 1931 paper defining the Chandrasekhar limit.

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    Black Hole Observations

    The first black hole was observed in 1971, validating Chandrasekhar's earlier theories about extreme density.

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    Editing The Astrophysical Journal

    Chandrasekhar served as an editor from 1952 to 1971, enhancing its status in the field.

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    Chandrasekhar's Quote

    Believed that 'in science, beauty is often the source of delight', reflecting his aesthetic appreciation for science.

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    Study Notes

    Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar

    • Brilliant Indian-American astrophysicist
    • Worked on star evolution and white dwarf stars
    • Determined the maximum mass of a white dwarf star.

    Chandrasekhar Limit

    • Maximum mass of a white dwarf star that prevents it from collapsing under its own gravity
    • Limit is 1.44 times the mass of the Sun
    • His findings were initially ridiculed, but later proven correct with the discovery of black holes

    Star Collapse

    • Stars use up their nuclear fuel, shedding mass
    • Collapse under gravity into white dwarfs
    • White dwarfs are stabilized by electron pressure, preventing further collapse.
    • Stars exceeding the Chandrasekhar limit collapse further.

    Nobel Prize

    • Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his work in astrophysics

    • Jointly with William Fowler

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    Description

    Explore the remarkable contributions of Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar to astrophysics, particularly his research on the evolution of stars and the Chandrasekhar Limit. This quiz delves into the fundamental principles of star collapse, white dwarf stars, and the implications of his findings, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983.

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