Which of these is the likely progenitor of a Type I supernova?
A)a mass-transfer binary, with the white dwarf already at 1.3 solar masses
B)a contact binary, with the neutron star at 2.3 solar masses
C)an evolved red giant which is just starting to make silicon in its core
D)an evolved blue supergiant that is about to experience the helium flash
E)a helium-neon white dwarf

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A Type I supernova occurs when a white dwarf in a binary system accretes mass from its companion star until it reaches a critical mass of 1.4 solar masses, at which point it undergoes a catastrophic collapse and explosion. Option A describes a mass-transfer binary with a white dwarf already at a mass close to the critical threshold, making it the most likely progenitor of a Type I supernova. A Type I supernova occurs when a white dwarf in a binary system accretes enough matter from its companion to reach the Chandrasekhar limit (1.4 solar masses). Option A describes this scenario.

Which of These Is the Likely Progenitor of a Type