What finally halts the core collapse in the initial stages of the formation of a Type II supernova?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The core collapse in the initial stages of a Type II supernova is halted when the iron core reaches the density of nuclear matter, becoming incredibly stiff and leading to a core bounce. This is a critical phase in the supernova process, where the inward collapse of the core is suddenly stopped and reversed, leading to the explosive ejection of the star's outer layers.

What Finally Halts the Core Collapse in the Initial Stages