EFFECT OF STRONG MAGNETIC-FIELDS ON THE EQUILIBRIUM OF A DEGENERATE GAS OF NUCLEONS AND ELECTRONS

We obtain the equations that define the equilibrium of a homogeneous r elativistic gas of neutrons, protons and electrons in a constant magne tic field as applied to the conditions that probably occur near the ce nter of neutron stars. We compute the relative densities of the partic les at equilibrium and the Fermi momentum of electrons in the strong m agnetic field as function of the density of neutrons and the magnetic held induction. Novel features are revealed as to the ratio of the num ber of protons to the number of neutrons at equilibrium in the presenc e of large magnetic fields.