A Type Ia supernova is believed to occur when
A)the core of a massive star collapses.
B)hydrogen detonation occurs.
C)a white dwarf exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit.
D)the cores of massive stars collapse.
E)neutrinos in a massive star become degenerate and form a shock wave that explodes the star.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A Type Ia supernova occurs when a white dwarf, which is a remnant of a low-mass star, accumulates enough mass from a companion star to exceed the Chandrasekhar limit (about 1.4 solar masses). This causes the core of the white dwarf to collapse and trigger a runaway fusion reaction, leading to a thermonuclear explosion. Options A, D, and E refer to different types of supernovae, while option B refers to a different process called a nova.

A Type Ia Supernova Is Believed to Occur When