In binary neutron star systems, the orbits are expected to slowly decay, eventually resultingin a merger of the neutron stars. Where does the orbital energy go?
A)It is lost to friction.
B)It is emitted as gamma rays.
C)It is emitted as neutrinos.
D)It is emitted as gravitational waves.
E)It is converted to mass.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the neutron stars orbit each other, they lose energy in the form of gravitational waves, which carry away energy and angular momentum. This loss of energy causes the orbit to decay, eventually leading to a merger of the neutron stars. Therefore, the energy is emitted as gravitational waves. In binary neutron star systems, the orbital energy is emitted as gravitational waves. As the neutron stars spiral towards each other, they emit gravitational waves, which carry away the orbital energy and cause the orbit to decay. This process continues until the two neutron stars finally merge. The detection of gravitational waves from the merger of binary neutron star systems has provided strong evidence for the existence of these systems and has also allowed us to study the properties of neutron stars and their behavior in extreme environments.

In Binary Neutron Star Systems, the Orbits Are Expected to Slowly