A Binary System Is Formed with a Neutron Star and Another

question 105

Multiple Choice

A binary system is formed with a neutron star and another star that has overflowed its Roche lobe. How does the detection of this binary differ from the detection of an isolated neutron star?

• A) The outer layers of the larger star envelop the neutron star, so only the spectrum of the larger star is detected.
• B) This binary may emit intense X-rays while an isolated neutron star emits radio waves.
• C) The interaction of the larger star with the neutron star may slow the neutron star's rotation to the point where it no longer rotates. One then sees a steady radio beam rather than the series of pulses that the lighthouse model predicts for an isolated neutron star.
• D) The spectrum of the larger star swamps the spectrum of the neutron star, thus showing a standard thermal blackbody spectrum. An isolated neutron star produces a nonthermal radiation spectrum.

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Definitions:

Beta Coefficient

A measure of a stock's volatility in relation to the overall market, used in the Capital Asset Pricing Model to determine the expected return of the asset.

Systematic Risk

The danger that affects the whole market or a specific segment of the market, commonly referred to as market risk.

Unsystematic Risk

The risk specific to an individual asset or company, such as management decisions or product recalls, which can be mitigated through diversification.

Diversification

An investment strategy that involves spreading investments among various financial instruments, industries, or other categories to minimize risk.