The difference between a nova and an x-ray burst is that a nova involves:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A nova involves an explosion on the surface of a white dwarf, where material from a companion star accretes onto the white dwarf's surface and triggers a thermonuclear explosion. An x-ray burst, on the other hand, involves an explosion on the surface of a neutron star, where material from a companion star falls onto the neutron star's surface and causes a sudden release of energy in the form of X-rays.

The Difference Between a Nova and an X-Ray Burst Is