chandrasekhar limit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chandrasekhar limit” mean?
the maximum possible mass of a stable white dwarf star, approximately 1.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the maximum possible mass of a stable white dwarf star, approximately 1.4 solar masses.
The theoretical upper mass limit for electron-degenerate matter to support itself against gravitational collapse; above this mass, a white dwarf will undergo further gravitational collapse to become a neutron star or black hole.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, appearing only in astrophysics/astronomy contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chandrasekhar limit” in a Sentence
[white dwarf] exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit[star] has a mass above the Chandrasekhar limit[calculation] determines the Chandrasekhar limitVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chandrasekhar limit” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- sub-Chandrasekhar mass
- Chandrasekhar-limited
American English
- sub-Chandrasekhar mass
- Chandrasekhar-limited
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in business contexts.
Academic
Used in astrophysics, astronomy, and physics research papers and lectures.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in stellar astrophysics, cosmology, and theoretical physics discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chandrasekhar limit”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chandrasekhar limit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chandrasekhar limit”
- Incorrect: 'Chandra Shekhar limit' (wrong spacing)
- Incorrect: 'chandrasekhar limit' (not capitalized)
- Incorrect: using with non-white-dwarf objects
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, an Indian-American astrophysicist, calculated it in 1930.
It undergoes gravitational collapse, potentially leading to a Type Ia supernova and formation of a neutron star or black hole.
It varies slightly depending on chemical composition, but 1.4 solar masses is the standard value for carbon-oxygen white dwarfs.
Type Ia supernovae, used as 'standard candles' to measure cosmic distances, occur when white dwarfs exceed this limit.
the maximum possible mass of a stable white dwarf star, approximately 1.
Chandrasekhar limit is usually technical/scientific in register.
Chandrasekhar limit: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃʌndrəˈʃeɪkɑː ˈlɪmɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃændrəˈʃeɪkɑr ˈlɪmɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHANdrasekhar = CHANge (star changes state) + LIMIT (maximum mass); remember '1.4' as the solar masses limit.
Conceptual Metaphor
Tipping point (the point at which stability turns into catastrophic collapse).
Practice
Quiz
What is the approximate value of the Chandrasekhar limit in solar masses?