As a white dwarf cools,why does its radius NOT change?
A)because pressure due to nuclear reactions in a shell just below the surface keeps it from collapsing
B)because pressure does not depend on temperature for a white dwarf, since the electrons are degenerate
C)because pressure does not depend on temperature, since the star has exhausted all its nuclear fuels
D)because material accreting onto it from a companion maintains a constant radius

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pressure in a white dwarf comes from the degenerate electrons that do not follow classical gas laws. This means that pressure is not dependent on temperature, and as the white dwarf cools, the electrons simply become more tightly packed, with no change in radius.

As a White Dwarf Cools,why Does Its Radius NOT Change