Imagine comparing a 1.2 solar mass white dwarf to a 1.0 solar mass white dwarf. Which of the following must be true?
A)The 1.2 solar mass white dwarf has a higher surface temperature.
B)The 1.2 solar mass white dwarf is supported by neutron degeneracy pressure; the 1 solar mass white dwarf is supported by electron degeneracy pressure.
C)The 1.2 solar mass white dwarf has a smaller radius.
D)The 1.2 solar mass white dwarf has a lower surface temperature.
E)The 1.2 solar mass white dwarf has a larger radius.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both white dwarfs are supported by electron degeneracy pressure since their masses are below the Chandrasekhar limit. However, the more massive 1.2 solar mass white dwarf has a stronger gravitational force at its surface, which leads to a higher density and a smaller radius compared to the 1.0 solar mass white dwarf. The smaller radius also means that the 1.2 solar mass white dwarf has a higher surface gravity, which leads to a higher surface temperature due to compression heating.

Imagine Comparing a 1