Electron degenerate matter

A form of degenerate matter in which the weight of the overlying material tries to force all of the electrons surrounding the atomic nucleus into the lowest energy quantum state. This they cannot do, as described by Pauli's exclusion principle and so the electrons exert a pressure ( electron degenerate pressure) which halts further collapse. This pressure is sufficient up until 1.4 solar masses, which is known as the Chandrasekar limit. At this point gravity overwhelms the degeneracy pressure and a further collapse takes place. See also baryon degenerate matter.