Question

Consider the following statements:
(1) Type I Supernova occurs in binary star systems in which gas from one star fails on to a white dwarf, causing it to explode.
(2)Type II Supernova occurs in stars ten times or more as massive as the Sun, which suffer run away internal nuclear reactions at the ends of their lives, leading to an explosion.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. Only 1
• B. Only 2
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Both 1 and 2

A supernova is the explosion of a star. It is the largest explosion that takes place in space. The first type of supernova happens in binary star systems. Binary stars are two stars that orbit the same point. One of the stars, a carbon-oxygen white dwarf, steals matter from its companion star. Eventually, the white dwarf accumulates too much matter. Having too much matter causes the star to explode resulting in a supernova.

The second type of supernova occurs at the end of a single star’s lifetime. As the star runs out of nuclear fuel, some of its mass flows into its core. Eventually, the core is so heavy that it cannot withstand its own gravitational force. The core collapses, which results in the giant explosion of a supernova.