What process during core contraction forces electrons and protons to merge, simultaneously releasing neutrinos?

Answer

Inverse beta decay

As the core shrinks catastrophically past the point where electron degeneracy pressure can hold, the density becomes so extreme that the fundamental balance of particles is altered. In this environment, electrons are forcibly merged with protons. This reaction is specifically termed inverse beta decay. The mathematical outcome of this merger is the transformation of the proton and electron into a neutron, which contributes to the building of the proto-neutron star, and the liberation of a massive flood of neutrinos. The removal of these free electrons simultaneously eliminates the electron degeneracy pressure, accelerating the gravitational implosion toward nuclear densities.

What process during core contraction forces electrons and protons to merge, simultaneously releasing neutrinos?

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