Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit

E59370

The Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit is the theoretical maximum mass a neutron star can have before collapsing into a black hole under its own gravity.


Statements (42)
Predicate Object
instanceOf astrophysical concept
neutron star property
theoretical limit
alsoKnownAs Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit
appliesTo degenerate neutron matter
neutron star
assumes cold neutron star
isotropic pressure
non-rotating neutron star
spherical symmetry
basedOn Einstein field equations
Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation
category compact star physics
theoretical astrophysics
consequenceOf general relativistic hydrostatic equilibrium
constrains equation of state of ultra-dense matter
dependsOn equation of state of dense nuclear matter
derivedBy George Volkoff
J. Robert Oppenheimer
derivedInCollaborationWith Richard C. Tolman
describes maximum mass of a neutron star
determines onset of gravitational collapse of neutron stars
distinguishedFrom Chandrasekhar limit
field astrophysics
general relativity
greaterThan Chandrasekhar limit for white dwarfs
historicalPublicationYear 1939
implies collapse to a black hole above the limit
no stable neutron star configuration above the limit
influencedBy nuclear interaction models
relativistic corrections to pressure support
measuredIn solar mass
namedAfter George Volkoff
J. Robert Oppenheimer
relatedTo Chandrasekhar limit
Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation
neutron star stability
typicalRange approximately 2 to 3 solar masses
typicalValue about 2 solar masses
upperBoundOn gravitational mass of a neutron star
usedIn compact object classification
interpretation of neutron star observations

Referenced by (5)
Subject (surface form when different) Predicate
Chandrasekhar limit
Chandrasekhar limit ("Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit")
contrastsWith
Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit ("Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit")
alsoKnownAs
Richard C. Tolman ("Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit in relativistic stellar structure")
notableWork
Chandrasekhar limit
relatedConcept

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