Black holes cause neutron fusion in neutron stars

JS9jRn8cX20In summary, the article mentions a possible explanation for the absence of heavy elements in some galaxies due to their lack of central black holes consuming neutron stars, causing the fusion of neutrons in the accretion disk. However, the extreme pressures and temperatures resulting from this process were not considered. The article also notes that our galaxy's abundance of heavy elements and lack of nearby neutron stars support this theory. The individual is seeking a description of neutron fusion and its role in producing heavy elements, and is directed to information on the neutron capture process and a relevant video.
  • #1
JoeH
I read an article today stating that the possible explanation for the near total absence of heavier elements such as gold and uranium in many galaxies may be due to those galaxies not forming around a central black hole that has in absorbing one or more neutron stars causing fusion of neutrons in the accretion disk of the absorption. I have read elsewhere on this site that neutron fusion is not possible. These statements neglected to examine the extreme pressures and temperatures due to the absorption of the neutron star by an internal black holes gravity. The article also went on to state that observations of our galactic center shows support for this theory as our galaxy is rich in heavy elements and the central black hole is lacking any nearby neutron stars as they have been consumed in the past. Not being a particle physics guru I was hoping for a description of what takes place in a neutron fusion situation to produce these heavy elements.
 
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  • #2
Do you happen to have a link to the article?
 
  • #3
JoeH said:
I was hoping for a description of what takes place in a neutron fusion situation to produce these heavy elements.
Sounds like you may be looking for info on the neutron capture process or "r-process" that occurs in neutron star mergers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-process

Also see the following @ 9:45 - 13:00

 

FAQ: Black holes cause neutron fusion in neutron stars

1. What is a black hole?

A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that even light cannot escape from it. It is formed when a massive star dies and collapses in on itself, becoming incredibly dense and compact.

2. What is a neutron star?

A neutron star is a very dense and compact star made up almost entirely of neutrons. It is formed when a massive star dies and its core collapses, but not enough to form a black hole. Neutron stars are extremely small, with a diameter of only about 10-15 km.

3. How do black holes cause neutron fusion in neutron stars?

When a black hole and a neutron star are in close proximity, the black hole's strong gravitational pull can pull material from the neutron star towards it. As the material falls towards the black hole, it becomes extremely hot and dense, causing nuclear fusion reactions to occur. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy and results in the creation of new elements.

4. What is the significance of neutron fusion in neutron stars?

Neutron fusion in neutron stars is significant because it is one of the few ways in which new elements are created in the universe. This process also releases a huge amount of energy, which can be observed as gamma-ray bursts. Additionally, studying neutron fusion in neutron stars can help us better understand the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.

5. Can black holes and neutron stars merge?

Yes, black holes and neutron stars can merge and form a larger black hole. This can happen when two binary systems (a system where two objects orbit each other) containing a black hole and a neutron star merge due to their mutual gravitational pull. This process is known as a black hole-neutron star merger and is one of the most energetic events in the universe, releasing enormous amounts of energy in the form of gravitational waves.

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