A supernova is the explosion of a ______________.

A supernova is the explosion of a ______________.

• A. Massive star
• B. White dwarf
• C. Red giant
• D. Neutron star

Answer: (A)

A supernova is the explosive end of a massive star’s life. When the star’s nuclear fuel is exhausted, gravity causes the core to collapse and the outer layers to blast outward in a tremendous outburst, releasing enormous energy and creating new heavy elements. This construction explains why the event is tied to a massive star, not a white dwarf, red giant, or neutron star (the latter can be a remnant after the explosion). In some rare cases, a white dwarf can explode as a Type Ia supernova, but the traditional concept of a supernova is the explosion of a massive star.

A supernova is the explosive end of a massive star’s life. When the star’s nuclear fuel is exhausted, gravity causes the core to collapse and the outer layers to blast outward in a tremendous outburst, releasing enormous energy and creating new heavy elements. This construction explains why the event is tied to a massive star, not a white dwarf, red giant, or neutron star (the latter can be a remnant after the explosion). In some rare cases, a white dwarf can explode as a Type Ia supernova, but the traditional concept of a supernova is the explosion of a massive star.