Supernova: How Massive Stars Explode

What is the main cause of a supernova explosion in massive stars?

• The formation of an iron core

• The fusion of hydrogen into helium

• The expansion of the star's outer layers

• The cooling of the star's surface

Why can't iron be used as a nuclear fuel in stars?

• It requires energy input to fuse

• It is too light

• It is too dense

• It has too many neutrons

What happens to the core of a star as it contracts?

• It cools down

• It becomes less dense

• It releases neutrinos

• It expands

What is a neutrino?

• A massless and neutral atomic particle

• A charged atomic particle

• A type of electromagnetic wave

• A heavy atomic nucleus

What is the result of the core bounce in a dying star?

• A pressure wave is generated

• The star's core becomes a white dwarf

• The star's temperature decreases

• The star collapses into a black hole

What role do gamma rays play in the contraction of a star's core?

• They slow down the contraction

• They cause the core to expand

• They melt iron nuclei into helium nuclei

• They cool the core

What happens to protons in the core during the contraction phase?

• They escape the core

• They split into smaller particles

• They combine with electrons to form neutrons

• They fuse into heavier elements

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

What is the significance of the shock wave in a supernova?

• It blasts the star apart

• It stabilizes the star's core

• It causes the star to implode

• It leads to the formation of a new star

How much energy is released in a supernova compared to the Sun's lifetime energy output?

• 500 times more

• 100 times more

• 50 times more

• 10 times more

What is the final outcome of a star undergoing a supernova?

• It remains unchanged

• It forms a new planetary system

• It becomes a neutron star or black hole

• It turns into a white dwarf