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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star#Density_and_pressure https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star#Density_and_press... > In popular scientific writing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star#Density_and_pressure https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star#Density_and_press... > In popular scientific writing, neutron stars are therefore sometimes described as "giant nuclei". However, in other respects, neutron stars and atomic nuclei are quite different. A nucleus is held together by the strong interaction, whereas a neutron star is held together by gravity. The density of a nucleus is uniform, while neutron stars are predicted to consist of multiple layers with varying compositions and densities. It's just a pop-sci meme. As for the structure, see here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star#Structure https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star#Structure

jeffwass 5y ago
I have a feeling you’re just trolling for trolling sake. I’ll only comment on one part of the Wikipedia quote regarding constant densities of atomic nuclei. The neutron star will have a constant density on any length scale as large as an atomic nucleus. The layered structure manifests over length scales of kilometers, which is 10^18 times larger than an atomic nucleus.
- Florin_Andrei 5y ago
  It could also be that your understanding of neutron stars may be superficial - you may feel, however strongly, that you understand this topic, while reality may be different. Have you considered that hypothesis? Nobody who actually works in fields related to nuclear physics or astrophysics considers a neutron star as being "just a giant nucleus", no matter how often that image may be used in pop-sci articles and youtube videos. More linky stuff, again related to your statement that neutron stars are held together by the nuclear force (which is false): https://www.nuclear-power.com/nuclear-power/reactor-physics/atomic-nuclear-physics/atom-properties-of-atoms/atomic-nucleus/neutron-star-giant-nucleus/ https://www.nuclear-power.com/nuclear-power/reactor-physics/... > Since they have some similar properties as atomic nuclei, neutron stars are sometimes described as giant nuclei. But be careful, neutron stars and atomic nuclei are held together by different forces. A nucleus is held together by the strong force, while a neutron star is held together by gravitational force.
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jeffwass 5y ago

I have a feeling you’re just trolling for trolling sake. I’ll only comment on one part of the Wikipedia quote regarding constant densities of atomic nuclei. The neutron star will have a constant density on any length scale as large as an atomic nucleus. The layered structure manifests over length scales of kilometers, which is 10^18 times larger than an atomic nucleus.

Florin_Andrei 5y ago
It could also be that your understanding of neutron stars may be superficial - you may feel, however strongly, that you understand this topic, while reality may be different. Have you considered that hypothesis? Nobody who actually works in fields related to nuclear physics or astrophysics considers a neutron star as being "just a giant nucleus", no matter how often that image may be used in pop-sci articles and youtube videos. More linky stuff, again related to your statement that neutron stars are held together by the nuclear force (which is false): https://www.nuclear-power.com/nuclear-power/reactor-physics/atomic-nuclear-physics/atom-properties-of-atoms/atomic-nucleus/neutron-star-giant-nucleus/ https://www.nuclear-power.com/nuclear-power/reactor-physics/... > Since they have some similar properties as atomic nuclei, neutron stars are sometimes described as giant nuclei. But be careful, neutron stars and atomic nuclei are held together by different forces. A nucleus is held together by the strong force, while a neutron star is held together by gravitational force.
- deleted 5y ago
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