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The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:
- a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapse
- b)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cycle
- c)The merging of two neutron stars
- d)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarf
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a...
A supernova occurs when a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel and undergoes a catastrophic explosion at the end of its life cycle, releasing vast amounts of energy and forming heavy elements. This distinguishes it from star formation, neutron star mergers, or black hole formation from white dwarfs.
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The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a...
Understanding Supernovae
Supernovae are one of the most spectacular cosmic events in the universe, marking the end of a massive star's life cycle.
Definition of a Supernova
- A supernova is an astronomical explosion that occurs at the end of a massive star's life.
- This event is not just a simple explosion; it signifies the release of an immense amount of energy, often outshining entire galaxies for a short period.
Life Cycle of a Massive Star
- Massive stars, those with at least eight times the mass of our Sun, undergo nuclear fusion, converting hydrogen into heavier elements.
- As these stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, they can no longer support themselves against gravitational collapse.
Explosion Process
- When the core of a massive star collapses, temperatures and pressures rise dramatically, leading to the fusion of heavier elements.
- Eventually, the core becomes iron, as iron cannot produce energy through fusion.
- Once fusion ceases, the core collapses under gravity, triggering a violent explosion that expels the outer layers of the star into space.
Significance of Supernovae
- Supernovae play a crucial role in the universe by dispersing elements formed in the star into the interstellar medium, contributing to the formation of new stars and planets.
- They also serve as important distance markers in cosmology, helping astronomers measure the expansion of the universe.
In summary, a supernova is best described as the explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cycle, making option 'B' the correct answer.
Supernovae are one of the most spectacular cosmic events in the universe, marking the end of a massive star's life cycle.
Definition of a Supernova
- A supernova is an astronomical explosion that occurs at the end of a massive star's life.
- This event is not just a simple explosion; it signifies the release of an immense amount of energy, often outshining entire galaxies for a short period.
Life Cycle of a Massive Star
- Massive stars, those with at least eight times the mass of our Sun, undergo nuclear fusion, converting hydrogen into heavier elements.
- As these stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, they can no longer support themselves against gravitational collapse.
Explosion Process
- When the core of a massive star collapses, temperatures and pressures rise dramatically, leading to the fusion of heavier elements.
- Eventually, the core becomes iron, as iron cannot produce energy through fusion.
- Once fusion ceases, the core collapses under gravity, triggering a violent explosion that expels the outer layers of the star into space.
Significance of Supernovae
- Supernovae play a crucial role in the universe by dispersing elements formed in the star into the interstellar medium, contributing to the formation of new stars and planets.
- They also serve as important distance markers in cosmology, helping astronomers measure the expansion of the universe.
In summary, a supernova is best described as the explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cycle, making option 'B' the correct answer.
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The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapseb)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cyclec)The merging of two neutron starsd)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarfCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapseb)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cyclec)The merging of two neutron starsd)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarfCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapseb)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cyclec)The merging of two neutron starsd)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarfCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapseb)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cyclec)The merging of two neutron starsd)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarfCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapseb)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cyclec)The merging of two neutron starsd)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarfCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapseb)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cyclec)The merging of two neutron starsd)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarfCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapseb)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cyclec)The merging of two neutron starsd)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarfCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapseb)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cyclec)The merging of two neutron starsd)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarfCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of The phenomenon known as a "supernova" is best described as:a)The birth of a new star due to gravitational collapseb)The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cyclec)The merging of two neutron starsd)The formation of a black hole from a white dwarfCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an
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