Exploring charged compact stars in f(Q) gravity with the Finch–Skea metric

This manuscript explores the feasibility and stability of anisotropic compact stars within the f(Q) gravity framework (Q represents the non-metricity scalar) using the Finch–Skea metric. To determine the unknown constants, the star's interior is smoothly matched with the exterior Reissner–Nordström solution at the boundary. Various physical properties, including fluid parameters, equation of state parameters and energy conditions are examined. Additionally, the mass–radius relationship, compactness and redshift of charged compact stars are investigated. Equilibrium and stability are evaluated using the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation, the causality condition, the Herrera cracking and the adiabatic index. Our findings demonstrate that f(Q) gravity supports the existence of stable and viable compact stars, fulfilling all the required physical conditions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.