On the Critical Mass: the case of white dwarfs

Abstract

We recall the generalization of the Feynman-Metropolis-Teller approximation for a compressed atom using a relativistic Fermi-Thomas model. These results within a Wigner-Seitz approximation lead to a new equation of state for white dwarfs and to a new value of their critical mass, smaller than the one obtained by Chandrasekhar. The possible observations of these effects in binary neutron stars are outlined.