A neutron, star has a density equal to that of the nuclear matter. Assuming the star to be spherical, find the radius of a neutron star whose mass is 4.0 x 1030 kg (twice the mass of the sun).

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1 Answers

Density of the neutron star = 2.8 × 10^17 kg/m^3

Mass of the neutron star = 4 × 10^30 kg

So, for volume of neutron star:

volume = mass / density

V = (4 × 10^30) ÷ (2.8 × 10^17)

V = 10/7 × 10^13

V = 1/7 × 10^14 cubic metres

Also, for radius of neutron star:

V = 4/3 × pi × r^3

4/3 × 22/7 × r^3 = 1/7 × 10^14

r^3 = 3.375 × 10^12 (approx.)

r = 1.5 × 10^4 metres

r = 1.5 × 10 kilometres

r = 15 km.

Hence, the radius of the neutron star is 15 km.

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