At the onset of core collapse a particular iron core has reached a central density of

PHYSICS · Subjective · Fermi University Physics · Astrophysics & Cosmology · Stellar death and compact objects · Stellar death and compact objects

Stars from the Inside, Ch Stellar explosions: core collapse, the neutrino-driven shock, radioactive light and remnants

Problem

At the onset of core collapse a particular iron core has reached a central density of ρ=5.0×1012 kg m−3\rho = 5.0\times10^{12}\,\mathrm{kg\,m^{-3}}. Using the free-fall time tff=(3π32Gρ)1/2t_{\rm ff} = \left(\dfrac{3\pi}{32G\rho}\right)^{1/2}, estimate how long the core takes to collapse at this density.

Browse the problem library