Because It Has Ceased Nuclear Burning in Its Interior and Therefore

Because it has ceased nuclear burning in its interior and therefore no longer generates energy, why is it that a white dwarf does not shrink rapidly under the force of gravity as it cools?

A) The rapid reduction of radius before the white-dwarf phase produces a very rapid rotation, thereby generating a large centrifugal force that prevents the star from shrinking.
B) The very low luminosity of a white dwarf means that it cools slowly and maintains a high temperature and therefore a high internal pressure that opposes gravity.
C) The star has lost so much mass in earlier phases that the remaining mass generates insufficient gravitational force to produce further shrinkage.
D) The electrons within it are in a degenerate state and will not allow further shrinkage.

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free