Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/html/web/app/themes/studypress-core-theme/template-parts/header/mobile-offcanvas.php on line 20

Decide whether the statement makes sense (or is clearly true) or does not make sense (or is clearly false). Explain clearly; not all of these have definitive answers, so your explanation is more important than your chosen answer. I observed a white dwarf supernova occurring at the location of a single (not binary) white dwarf.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The statement does not make sense based on current astronomical theory.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding a White Dwarf Supernova

A white dwarf supernova, also known as a Type Ia supernova, typically occurs when a white dwarf star is in a binary system and accretes matter from its companion star. Once it reaches a critical mass, known as the Chandrasekhar limit, it may explode as a supernova.
02

Analyzing the Statement

The statement claims a white dwarf supernova was observed in a location with a single white dwarf star, not a binary system. According to the understanding of a Type Ia supernova, this is unlikely to occur without the presence of a companion star to provide additional mass.
03

Evaluating Other Possibilities

While the traditional understanding of Type Ia supernovae involves binary white dwarfs, it is important to consider that not all supernovae are well understood and new discoveries could expand existing theories. However, as it stands, the occurrence of a Type Ia supernova without a binary companion would be contrary to our current knowledge.
04

Conclusion

Based on the standard astronomical knowledge, the statement does not make sense, as a white dwarf supernova typically requires a binary system to trigger the explosion. However, note that scientific understanding evolves, and exceptions to traditional models are possible but not evidenced here.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

White Dwarf
A **white dwarf** is the remnant core of a star that has exhausted most of its nuclear fuel. This happens when stars like our Sun, after going through the red giant phase, expel their outer layers in a planetary nebula, leaving behind this dense core.
White dwarfs are quite compact, with masses close to that of the Sun packed into a volume roughly the size of Earth. Because of their size and mass, they have incredibly intense gravitational fields.

These stellar remnants don't undergo nuclear fusion, so they slowly cool and fade over time. However, within certain conditions, they can be involved in spectacular events like supernovae. It's important to remember that white dwarfs are very stable unless they receive extra mass from external sources.
Chandrasekhar Limit
The **Chandrasekhar Limit** is a critical concept when understanding white dwarfs and Type Ia supernovae. It refers to the maximum mass a white dwarf can achieve while remaining stable. This limit is approximately 1.4 times the mass of the Sun, denoted as 1.4 M☉.
When a white dwarf reaches this limit, its internal pressure can no longer counterbalance gravity. This is typically achieved in a binary star setting, where the white dwarf accretes matter from its companion. Upon reaching the Chandrasekhar Limit, the white dwarf may undergo a catastrophic collapse, leading to a Type Ia supernova.
  • The concept was developed by Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who realized that electron degeneracy pressure (the pressure that supports a white dwarf) would be overcome beyond this mass.
  • Understanding this limit helps astronomers predict and explain the occurrences of these remarkable cosmic events.
Binary Star System
A **binary star system** consists of two stars orbiting around a common center of mass. These systems are widespread in the universe and are crucial in the formation of certain types of supernovae, particularly Type Ia.
The interaction between the two stars is key. In many cases, one star can transfer mass to the other, like in the scenario where a white dwarf pulls in matter from a companion star. This mass transfer can lead to significant changes in a star's lifecycle.

In the context of a Type Ia supernova, the presence of a companion star allows the white dwarf to accumulate extra mass, potentially reaching the Chandrasekhar Limit and igniting a stellar explosion. Without this mass exchange, a white dwarf remains stable and does not undergo the violent transition into a supernova. This interaction highlights the importance of binary systems in stellar evolution and explosive cosmic phenomena.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

In what sense is a black hole like a hole in the observable universe? Define the event horizon and the Schwarzschild radius, and describe the three basic properties of a black hole.

Be sure to show all calculations clearly and state your final answers in complete sentences. A Black Hole II? You've just discovered another new X-ray binary, which we will call Hyp-X2 ("Hyp" for hypothetical). The system Hyp-X2 contains a bright, G2 main-sequence star orbiting an unseen companion. The separation of the stars is estimated to be 12 million kilometers, and the orbital period of the visible star is 5 days. a. Use Newton's version of Kepler's third law to calculate the sum of the masses of the two stars in the system. (Hint: See Mathematical Insight \(15.4 .\) ) Give your answer in both kilograms and solar masses \(\left(M_{\mathrm{Sun}}=2.0 \times 10^{30} \mathrm{kg}\right)\) b. Determine the mass of the unseen companion. Is it a neutron star or a black hole? Explain. (Hint: A G2 mainsequence star has a mass of \(1 M\) sun.)

Decide whether the statement makes sense (or is clearly true) or does not make sense (or is clearly false). Explain clearly; not all of these have definitive answers, so your explanation is more important than your chosen answer. If you want to find a pulsar, you should look near the remnant of a supernova described by ancient Chinese astronomers.

Suppose you are falling into a black hole. How will you perceive the passage of your own time? How will outside observers see time passing for you? Briefly explain why your trip into a stellar-mass black hole is likely to be lethal.

Choose the best answer to each of the following. Explain your reasoning with one or more complete sentences. Which of these objects has the smallest radius? (a) a \(1.2 M_{\mathrm{Sun}}\) white dwarf (b) a \(0.6 M_{\mathrm{Sun}}\) white dwarf (c) Jupiter.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free