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Which of the following events can happen when two neutron stars spiral and collide with each other?
1. Ripples of Gravitation waves will be created
2. Blackholes can be formed
3. Ejection of heavy metals such as gold and platinum
4. Gamma-ray burst
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
  • a)
    1, 2 and 4 only
  • b)
    1, 3 and 4 only
  • c)
    1 only
  • d)
    1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Which of the following events can happen when two neutron stars spiral...
  • When the two neutron stars meet, their merger leads to the formation of either a more massive neutron star, or a black hole (depending on whether the mass of the remnant exceeds the Tolman–Oppenheimer– Volkoff limit).
  • The collision creates the instance of a single source emitting ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves, as well as light, which is released in the form of a two-second gamma ray burst.
  • The collision also creates heavy elements such as gold, platinum and lead, scattering them across the universe in a kilonova – similar to a supernova – after the initial fireball.
  • The LIGO Livingston Observatory picked up what appeared to be gravitational ripples from a collision of two neutron stars. LIGO Livingston is part of a gravitational-wave network that includes LIGO (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the European Virgo detector.
  • Now, a new study confirms that this event was indeed likely the result of a merger of two neutron stars. This would be only the second time this type of event has ever been observed in gravitational waves.
So, Option (d) is correct. 
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Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following events can happen when two neutron stars spiral...
**Event 1: Ripples of Gravitational Waves**

When two neutron stars spiral and collide with each other, one of the events that can happen is the creation of ripples in spacetime known as gravitational waves. Gravitational waves are disturbances in the fabric of spacetime caused by the acceleration of massive objects. In the case of a neutron star collision, the tremendous amount of energy released during the merger generates gravitational waves that propagate through the universe.

**Event 2: Formation of Black Holes**

Another possible outcome of a neutron star collision is the formation of black holes. Neutron stars are incredibly dense objects, but when they collide, the resulting mass can become so concentrated that it exceeds a critical threshold known as the Chandrasekhar limit. At this point, gravity becomes so strong that it overcomes all other forces, causing the matter to collapse into a singularity. This singularity is surrounded by an event horizon, forming a black hole.

**Event 3: Ejection of Heavy Metals**

During a neutron star collision, the extreme conditions generated by the collision can lead to the ejection of heavy elements, such as gold and platinum. These heavy elements are synthesized through a process called r-process nucleosynthesis, which occurs in the intense environment of the merger. The extreme temperatures and pressures cause atomic nuclei to rapidly capture neutrons, leading to the creation of heavy isotopes. When the merged object ejects material, these heavy isotopes can be spread throughout the surrounding space.

**Event 4: Gamma-ray Burst**

Another possible outcome of a neutron star collision is the production of a gamma-ray burst (GRB). GRBs are highly energetic explosions that release intense bursts of gamma-ray radiation. These bursts are thought to be produced when the magnetic fields of the merging neutron stars become twisted and reconfigure themselves, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. GRBs are among the most energetic events in the universe and can be detected from vast distances.

In conclusion, when two neutron stars spiral and collide with each other, multiple events can occur, including the creation of gravitational waves, the formation of black holes, the ejection of heavy metals, and the production of gamma-ray bursts. Therefore, the correct answer is option D, which includes all of these events.
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Which of the following events can happen when two neutron stars spiral and collide with each other?1. Ripples of Gravitation waves will be created2. Blackholes can be formed3. Ejection of heavy metals such as gold and platinum4. Gamma-ray burstSelect the correct answer using the code given below :a)1, 2 and 4 onlyb)1, 3 and 4 onlyc)1 onlyd)1, 2, 3 and 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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