For a white dwarf to explode entirely as a Type I supernova, its mass must be:
A)at least 0.08 solar masses.
B)1.4 solar masses, the Chandrasekhar Limit.
C)3 solar masses, the Schwarzschild Limit.
D)20 solar masses, the Hubble Limit.
E)100 solar masses, the most massive known stars.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A Type I supernova is caused by a white dwarf reaching the Chandrasekhar Limit, which is approximately 1.4 solar masses. At this point, the core collapses and triggers a runaway fusion reaction, leading to a massive explosion that destroys the white dwarf entirely. Therefore, only choice B (1.4 solar masses, the Chandrasekhar Limit) correctly describes the mass required for a white dwarf to undergo a Type I supernova. Type I supernovae occur when a white dwarf accretes enough mass to reach the Chandrasekhar Limit, which is approximately 1.4 solar masses. Exceeding this limit causes the electron degeneracy pressure to no longer be able to support the star against gravitational collapse, resulting in a runaway fusion reaction and a supernova explosion. The other choices either do not apply to white dwarf stars or are too high of a mass to result in a Type I supernova.

For a White Dwarf to Explode Entirely as a Type