Degeneracy Pressure

Degeneracy pressure is a quantum mechanical effect that arises when particles such as electrons are packed tightly together and their quantum states are forced into higher energy levels. This pressure arises from the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two fermions (particles with half-integer spin) can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. As a result, when electrons are compressed to high densities, they must occupy higher energy levels, which creates an outward pressure that resists further compression. Degeneracy pressure is responsible for supporting the mass of white dwarfs and neutron stars, which are extremely dense objects that have exhausted their nuclear fuel. In these objects, the pressure from degenerate electrons and/or neutrons balances the force of gravity, preventing further collapse.
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