Maximum Mass of a Neutron Star

On the basis of Einstein's theory of relativity, the principle of causality, and Le Chatelier's principle, it is here established that the maximum mass of the equilibrium configuration of a neutron star cannot be larger than $3.2M_{\mathrm{}[m?]\mathrm{}}$. The extremal principle given here applies as well when the equation of state of matter is unknown in a limited range of densities. The absolute maximum mass of a neutron star provides a decisive method of observationally distinguishing neutron stars from black holes.