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He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his studies on the physical processes important to the structure and evolution of stars.

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What technologies is based on the work of subrahmanyan chandrasekhar?

Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar's work laid the foundation for several key technologies in astrophysics and cosmology, particularly in understanding stellar evolution and black holes. His theories regarding the structure and stability of stars, especially the Chandrasekhar limit, are crucial for the study of white dwarfs and supernovae. Additionally, his contributions to the field of radiation transport have influenced the development of models and simulations used in astrophysical research and space exploration technologies.


What is Chandrasekhar's Limit?

The Chandrasekhar Limit, also called the Chandrasekhar mass, is the point beyond which the "electron degeneracy pressure" within a white dwarf star no longer balances the star's own gravity. It places an upper limit on the possible mass of a white dwarf. If a white dwarf's gravity pulls material away from a neighboring star, adding it to the white dwarf and increasing its mass, the Chandrasekhar mass (roughly 1.4 times the mass of our Sun) can eventually be reached and surpassed. When the balance between electron degeneracy pressure and gravity ends, the force of gravity rapidly collapses the white dwarf, and the resulting pressure and density result in a violent outward explosion that destroys the white dwarf. In Astronomy, this is known as a type Ia supernova. There have been a small number of type Ia supernovae (supernova "2007if" was the second known) which were believed to occur at masses significantly above the Chandrasekhar limit. The prevailing theory is that in these cases, two white dwarves collided, resulting in the limit being abruptly exceeded.


When a white dwarf exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit what happens?

When a white dwarf exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit of about 1.4 times the mass of the Sun, electron degeneracy pressure is no longer able to support the star against gravity. This leads to the collapse of the white dwarf, resulting in a supernova explosion.


When did Torricelli invent the anemometer?

Evangelista Torricelli did not invent the anemometer; however, the first known description of an anemometer was by Leon Battista Alberti in the 15th century. Torricelli did invent the mercury barometer in the 17th century, which measures atmospheric pressure.


What is the maximum size of a white dwarf?

The maximum size of a white dwarf is about 1.4 times the mass of the Sun, known as the Chandrasekhar limit. If a white dwarf exceeds this limit, it can collapse further and ignite as a supernova.