Massive objects strongly attract atoms gravitationally. In large stars, gravity pulls atoms into each other up to maximum hot-gas density, which is about 0.5 g/cm^3. Uncertainty principle prevents distances from being zero. Pauli exclusion principle prevents particles from having same location (state). In matter, uncertainty principle and Pauli exclusion principle cause quantum-mechanical resistance pressure {degeneracy pressure}, so matter resists further compression. Degeneracy pressure varies directly with gravitational force and with mass-energy density, not with temperature. In white-dwarf stars, gravity decreases electron distances causing electron degeneracy pressure. In neutron stars, gravity overcomes electron degeneracy pressure, and decreases neutron distances, causing neutron degeneracy pressure.
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5-Astronomy-Universe-Cosmology
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Date Modified: 2022.0224