Which of these is the likely progenitor of a Type II 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)two white dwarfs in a contact binary system
E)an evolved blue supergiant that is about to experience the helium flash

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Type II supernovae occur when the core of a massive star collapses and rebounds, causing an explosion. An evolved red giant which is just starting to make silicon in its core is the likely progenitor because it has enough mass to undergo core collapse and enough time to produce heavy elements like silicon. None of the other choices involve a massive enough star to trigger a Type II supernova. Type II supernovae are produced by the collapse of massive stars with initial masses greater than 8 solar masses. An evolved red giant that is starting to make silicon in its core is likely to have a mass in the range needed for a Type II supernova. The other options involve objects or scenarios that do not meet the criteria for a Type II supernova progenitor.

Which of These Is the Likely Progenitor of a Type