What happens when pressure is applied on a nucleus?

When pressure is applied to a nucleus, such as in a neutron star, the increased pressure can lead to a state where nuclear forces and degeneracy pressure of neutrons balance gravitational collapse. This can cause changes in the nuclear structure, potentially leading to phenomena like neutronization, where protons are converted into neutrons. At extremely high pressures, exotic states of matter, such as quark-gluon plasma, may also form. Ultimately, the behavior of the nucleus under pressure is governed by the fundamental forces at play within it.