The Boundary Between Black Holes & Neutron Stars

The video explores the detection of a unique gravitational wave event involving an object with a mass between that of a neutron star and a black hole. It discusses the significance of this discovery, the properties of neutron stars, and the challenges in understanding their maximum mass before becoming black holes. The video also highlights the role of LIGO and Virgo observatories in detecting these events and the potential for new insights into the nature of stars and gravity.

What is the significance of the object found on the boundary between neutron stars and black holes?

• It is the first object of its kind ever discovered.

• It challenges existing theories about neutron stars and black holes.

• It is the largest black hole ever detected.

• It is the smallest neutron star ever detected.

What do the LIGO and Virgo observatories detect?

• Electromagnetic waves from distant galaxies.

• Radio waves from pulsars.

• Infrared signals from black holes.

• Gravitational waves from cosmic events.

Why is it difficult to locate the source of gravitational waves?

• The waves are absorbed by Earth's atmosphere.

• The waves travel faster than light.

• There are too many galaxies in the potential source region.

• The waves are too weak to be detected.

What happens to a star's core to form a neutron star?

• It merges with another star.

• It expands and cools down.

• It explodes and disperses into space.

• It collapses and forms a dense nugget of matter.

What is the escape velocity at the surface of a neutron star?

• Twice the speed of light.

• Equal to the speed of sound.

• Equal to the speed of light.

• Up to half the speed of light.

How does adding mass to a neutron star affect its size?

• The size fluctuates randomly.

• The size decreases at higher masses.

• The size remains constant.

• The size always increases.

What is a phantom event horizon?

• A region where time stops.

• A theoretical boundary where light cannot escape.

• A point where gravity is zero.

• A visible boundary around a black hole.

What is the estimated maximum mass for a neutron star?

• 2.2 to 2.4 solar masses.

• 10 solar masses.

• 1.4 solar masses.

• 5 solar masses.

Why is there a mass gap between neutron stars and black holes?

• Neutron stars cannot gain mass.

• Neutron stars and black holes are the same.

• Black holes lose mass over time.

• The formation processes are different.

What would be surprising about a black hole with 2.6 solar masses?

• It would be the smallest neutron star.

• It would be the largest black hole ever found.

• It would challenge current models of star death.

• It would be the first black hole to emit light.