If a star's remnant core mass exceeds approximately 3 solar masses, what object results from the continued gravitational collapse past neutron degeneracy pressure?

Answer

A black hole

The final compact remnant left after a supernova depends directly on the mass of the core that remains after the explosion. If this remnant mass falls within a specific range, typically between 1.4 and 3 solar masses, the degeneracy pressure exerted by the tightly packed neutrons is sufficient to resist gravity, forming a neutron star. However, if the initial star was so massive that its remnant core surpasses this upper limit (often cited around 3 solar masses), no known force, including neutron degeneracy pressure, can counteract the immense gravitational pull. The collapse proceeds past the point of no return, leading inexorably to the formation of a black hole, a region defined by spacetime where escape velocity exceeds the speed of light.

If a star's remnant core mass exceeds approximately 3 solar masses, what object results from the continued gravitational collapse past neutron degeneracy pressure?

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