What produces the energy that is released in a Type II supernova explosion (of which SN 1987A was an example)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy that is released in a Type II supernova explosion is produced by gravitational collapse, which occurs when the core of a massive star runs out of fuel and can no longer support its own weight. The collapse triggers a chain of events that lead to the explosion, including the formation of a rapidly spinning neutron star or black hole. SN 1987A was a Type II supernova that resulted from the collapse of a star with a mass of approximately 20 times that of the Sun.

What Produces the Energy That Is Released in a Type