What is the main observational difference between a Type I and a Type II supernova?
A) Hydrogen lines are prominent in the spectrum of a Type II supernova but absent in that of Type I.
B) The spectrum of a Type II supernova shows strong lines of both hydrogen and helium,whereas that of Type I shows only hydrogen.
C) The spectrum of a Type I supernova shows strong lines of both hydrogen and helium,whereas that of Type II shows only hydrogen.
D) Hydrogen lines are prominent in the spectrum of a Type I supernova but absent in that of Type II.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The main observational difference between Type I and Type II supernovae is the presence of hydrogen lines in the spectrum. Type II supernovae show prominent hydrogen lines, indicating that they still have a significant amount of hydrogen in their outer layers at the time of explosion. In contrast, Type I supernovae lack these hydrogen lines, suggesting they have lost their hydrogen envelopes prior to the explosion.

What Is the Main Observational Difference Between a Type I