A Binary System Is Formed with a Neutron Star and Another

question 288

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. We then see 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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