What is the typical outcome for the core of a supernova?

Prepare for the AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2 Exam. Study with interactive quizzes, detailed questions, and explanations. Boost your confidence and excel in your exam!

The typical outcome for the core of a supernova is that it transforms into a neutron star or a black hole. When a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it can no longer support the weight of its own gravity, leading to a catastrophic implosion. This implosion creates incredibly high pressures and temperatures, allowing for the formation of either a neutron star or a black hole, depending on the mass of the core that remains after the explosion.

If the remaining core has a mass between about 1.4 and 3 times the mass of the Sun, it will usually become a neutron star, in which protons and electrons combine to form neutrons. If the remaining core exceeds this mass limit, it collapses further, resulting in the formation of a black hole, where the gravitational pull is so strong that not even light can escape from it.

The other outcomes listed do not accurately represent the aftermath of a supernova core. While a white dwarf is the remnant of less massive stars, a supernova typically involves much more massive stars. The creation of a red giant is part of the evolutionary process prior to the supernova stage and does not occur as a direct result of the supernova itself. The idea that the core could simply vanish

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy