ATRONOMY – TELLAR PHYIC (48) CALCULATOR
Wd Mass Radius
A precise tool.
What is the Wd Mass Radius & How does it work?
White dwarfs are the compact remnants of low‑ and intermediate‑mass stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel. Their support against gravity comes from electron degeneracy pressure, a quantum mechanical effect that does not depend on temperature.
Because this pressure is independent of thermal state, the more massive a white dwarf becomes, the smaller its radius. The classic mass‑radius relation derived by Chandrasekhar can be written as
The calculator below lets you input either the mass (in solar masses) or the radius (in solar radii) and returns the corresponding value using this relation. It is useful for quick estimates of white‑dwarf properties in astrophysical problems.
R = 0.0127\,R_{\odot}\,\sqrt{\left(\frac{M_{\mathrm{Ch}}}{M}\right)^{2/3} – \left(\frac{M}{M_{\mathrm{Ch}}}\right)^{2/3}}
R = radius, M = white‑dwarf mass, M_{\mathrm{Ch}} = 1.44\,M_{\odot}
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between mass and radius in white dwarfs?
The more massive a white dwarf, the smaller its radius due to electron degeneracy pressure.
How does the Chandrasekhar mass-radius relation work?
It describes how the radius of a white dwarf is proportional to the square root of its mass.
What is electron degeneracy pressure in white dwarfs?
It’s a quantum mechanical effect that resists gravitational collapse, independent of temperature.
Can this calculator be used for any type of star?
No, it specifically applies to white dwarfs, the remnants of low and intermediate mass stars.
What is R⊙ in the formula?
R⊙ represents the radius of the Sun, used as a standard unit for comparison.
Why does the radius decrease with increasing mass in white dwarfs?
Electron degeneracy pressure becomes stronger, counteracting gravity more effectively.
What is the maximum mass a white dwarf can have?
The maximum mass for a stable white dwarf is known as the Chandrasekhar limit, approximately 1.4 times the mass of the Sun.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.