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

Type I supernovae occur in binary star systems, where one star is a white dwarf and the other is a companion star. In a mass-transfer binary, the white dwarf accretes mass from its companion star, eventually reaching the Chandrasekhar limit of 1.4 solar masses and undergoing a catastrophic collapse. Thus, option A is the likely progenitor of a type I supernova.

Which of These Is the Likely Progenitor of a Type