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. Gamma-ray bursts are more likely to be observed in galaxies that are rapidly forming new stars than in galaxies containing only old stars.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The statement makes sense because gamma-ray bursts are linked to star-forming regions.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Gamma-Ray Bursts

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are extremely energetic explosions observed in distant galaxies. They are believed to be associated with the collapse of massive stars or mergers of neutron stars. Since massive stars have relatively short lifespans (a few million years), gamma-ray bursts are often linked to regions of active star formation.
02

Characteristics of Galaxies

Galaxies with rapid star formation usually contain a large population of young, massive stars. These galaxies are referred to as starburst galaxies. In contrast, galaxies containing only old stars have little to no star formation activity.
03

Linking GRBs and Star Formation

Since gamma-ray bursts are thought to result from the endpoints of massive stars, it makes sense that they are more often observed in galaxies with rapid star formation, where these stars are more plentiful and dying at higher rates.
04

Evaluating the Statement

Given the known causes of gamma-ray bursts and the environments conducive to their occurrence, it is logical to conclude that GRBs are indeed more likely to be observed in galaxies where new stars are rapidly being formed compared to galaxies with only older stars.

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.

Star Formation
Star formation is an incredible process where nebulae, the giant clouds of gas and dust in space, give birth to stars. This happens when gravity pulls the gas and dust together, causing the material to heat up and start nuclear fusion—the process that powers stars. The region where star formation is active is often chaotic and full of energetic activity. This is because:
  • Gravity causes the collapsing clouds to fragment, forming groups of stars—often seen in clusters.
  • Young stars consume hydrogen to produce light and heat, marking the start of their life cycle.
  • Molecular clouds provide the perfect conditions, rich in hydrogen—a primary star-forming element.
Star formation is a continuous cycle, as material from older stars helps form new nebulae, continuing the cosmic dance of star birth.
Galaxies
Galaxies are massive systems composed of stars, planetary systems, gas, dust, and dark matter, all held together by gravity. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the swirling spirals like our Milky Way to vast elliptical galaxies and small irregular galaxies. Key aspects include:
  • Spiral galaxies often have ongoing star formation in their arms, due to their dense spiral structure.
  • Elliptical galaxies typically contain older stars and less gas, thus less star formation activity.
  • Starburst galaxies experience intense star formation, possibly triggered by mergers or interactions with other galaxies.
Understanding the composition and activity within galaxies helps us trace the history of the universe and anticipate future cosmic events.
Massive Stars
Massive stars are the giants of the stellar universe, typically much bigger and more luminous than our Sun. They have significant impacts on their surroundings due to:
  • Their short lifespans, lasting only a few million years compared to billions for stars like the Sun.
  • The intense energy and light they emit, which influences nearby star formation processes.
  • Their explosive deaths as supernovae, enriching the surrounding space with heavy elements and often triggering gamma-ray bursts.
Though their life is brief, the legacy of massive stars is lasting, as they help forge new stars and contribute to the complex web of cosmic matter.
Neutron Stars
Neutron stars are the remnants of massive stars that have exploded as supernovae. They pack incredible mass into a tiny volume, resulting in staggering density. Some of the defining features include:
  • They are extremely dense, with a single teaspoon of neutron star material weighing billions of tons.
  • They often form incredibly rapid spin rates, becoming pulsars which emit beams of radiation detectable on Earth.
  • When two neutron stars collide, the event can create gravitational waves and sometimes gamma-ray bursts, showcasing the powerful phenomena of the universe.
Neutron stars are among the most enigmatic objects in space, providing insights into the fundamental forces of physics and the violent processes of stellar evolution.

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

Describe the mass, size, and density of a typical white dwarf. How does the size of a white dwarf depend on its mass?

What are gamma-ray bursts, and how do we think they are produced?

Be sure to show all calculations clearly and state your final answers in complete sentences. Black Holes in Popular Culture. Expressions such as "it disappeared into a black hole" are now common in popular culture. Give a few other examples of popular expressions in which the term black hole is used but is not meant to be taken literally. In what ways are these uses correct in their analogies to real black holes? In what ways are they incorrect? Why do you think such an esoteric scientific idea as that of a black hole has captured the public imagination?

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.

Be sure to show all calculations clearly and state your final answers in complete sentences. Neutron Star Density. A typical neutron star has a mass of about \(1.5 M_{\text {Sun }}\) and a radius of 10 kilometers. a. Calculate the average density of a neutron star, in kilograms per cubic centimeter. b. Compare the mass of \(1 \mathrm{cm}^{3}\) of neutron star material to the mass of Mount Everest \(\left(=5 \times 10^{10} \mathrm{kg}\right)\).

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