This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Why are millisecond pulsars often found in binary systems with small red- or brown-dwarf companions? ... (Read 112 times)

futuristic

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 638
Why are millisecond pulsars often found in binary systems with small red- or brown-dwarf companions?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Newtonian gravity is often called universal mutual gravitation because every particle with mass in the Universe must attract every other particle.
 
  a. True
  b. False
  Indicate whether the statement is true or false



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

Ahnyah

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
Answer to Question 1

A normal pulsar has a period of a few tenths of a second to a few seconds. The general physics controlling pulsars suggest that they should slow down over time to longer periods.

Millisecond pulsars have a period of about 1/1000th of a second, and are spinning much faster than normal pulsars. Theory cannot explain the formation of such a rapid pulsar through normal means. The best explanation is that mass transferred to the surface of the pulsar has increased its angular momentum, and rotation rate.

These pulsars are found in binary systems that have a small radius, indicating that they are very old. In order to speed up the pulsars to such high speeds, they must have absorbed a large amount of mass. The companions of these binary millisecond pulsars are very small, in the red dwarf or brown dwarf range.

The conclusion is that the millisecond pulsar has absorbed almost all of the mass of a main sequence star, leaving behind a very small remnant companion which may eventually be evaporated.

Answer to Question 2

True





 

Did you know?

The most common childhood diseases include croup, chickenpox, ear infections, flu, pneumonia, ringworm, respiratory syncytial virus, scabies, head lice, and asthma.

Did you know?

About 3% of all pregnant women will give birth to twins, which is an increase in rate of nearly 60% since the early 1980s.

Did you know?

Approximately 500,000 babies are born each year in the United States to teenage mothers.

Did you know?

Eating carrots will improve your eyesight. Carrots are high in vitamin A (retinol), which is essential for good vision. It can also be found in milk, cheese, egg yolks, and liver.

Did you know?

Disorders that may affect pharmacodynamics include genetic mutations, malnutrition, thyrotoxicosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, and certain forms of insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library