2006-09-24 20:21:58 · 2 answers · asked by tom science 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The mass does not change. The state of the mass is another thing.
Neutron stars are 1.4 solar masses compressed to the size of Chicago (10 km) or 10^14 g/cc. As a result the electrons are pushed into the neucleus and the neutrons are pushed so closely together that its a quark fluid at the center that has a density so great that sound moves at the speed of light - c. So any sudden changes are communicated almost instantly everywhere on the star.
Because of its high rotation rates - up to 34,000 rpm or 500 rps - a considerable amount its energy is in the form of angular momentum that results in extremely high magnetic fields at the surface - 10^12 Gauss. The particles trapped in these magnetic fields are viewed as radio and optical "beams" the sweep through our field of view giving its alternate name - Pulsar - and indicating its high rotation rates.
2006-09-24 21:00:07 · answer #1 · answered by Timothy K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing. Mass always remains constant. The gravitational pull would increase, however. That would increase the weight of the star, but not the mass.
2006-09-25 03:30:06 · answer #2 · answered by Chit P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋