Which statement about degeneracy pressure is not accurate?

Study for the University of Central Florida AST2002 Astronomy Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your final!

Degeneracy pressure is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that emerges from the principles governing the behavior of particles at high densities. It arises primarily from the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two fermions (such as electrons or neutrons) can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. This creates a pressure that counteracts gravitational forces, thus preventing collapse under gravity in certain astrophysical objects.

The assertion that degeneracy pressure can arise only from interactions among electrons is indeed not accurate. While electron degeneracy pressure is what supports white dwarfs, it is also significant in the context of neutron stars, where neutron degeneracy pressure plays a crucial role. In neutron stars, neutrons—like electrons—exhibit fermionic behavior, and thus their states are governed by the same exclusion principle, leading to a different form of degeneracy pressure.

Degeneracy pressure supports various stellar remnants against gravitational collapse, and in both white dwarfs and neutron stars, it acts as a stabilizing force. Therefore, the correct perception is that degeneracy pressure arises from the quantum behavior of multiple types of fermions, including both electrons and neutrons. This broader understanding provides a clearer view of its role in astrophysics.

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