Degeneracy pressure

Degeneracy Pressure

Degeneracy pressure is a special kind of push that comes from quantum physics. It happens when tiny particles like electrons or neutrons are packed so closely together that they have no more room to move into. Since no two of these particles can share the exact same “space” or state, they push back when squeezed — creating a pressure that stops them from being crushed any further.

Science Simplified

The Pauli Exclusion Principle

Atoms are made up of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons. These electrons don’t just float randomly — they live in specific “zones” called orbitals, like seats in a theater. Each seat (orbital) can hold two electrons, but only if they spin in opposite directions. Once that seat is filled, no other electron can sit there — it has to find another orbital or energy level. That’s Pauli’s rule.