Question

Explain the concept of degeneracy pressure. What role does it play in the evolution
of a star after its death?

Answer 1

The concept of degeneracy pressure defines it as the pressure exerted by particles (electrons for instance) that in accordance with the Pauli Exclusion Principle, have a limit to how closely they can be packed together because they cannot occupy the same quantum state. This type of pressure supports the core of low-mass stars against gravitational collapse during shell hydrogen fusion and before the helium flash.