Unit 13 Collapsing and Exploding Stars

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is an enormous explosion that occurs when a massive star dies.

Front

What can the remains of a supernova form?

Back

The remains from a supernova can form a rapidly spinning, highly magnetic star called a neutron star.

Front

What is the edge of a black hole called?

Back

The edge of a black hole is called the Event Horizon.

Front

What are pulsars?

Back

Pulsars are rapidly spinning neutron stars that are known as 'lighthouses' in space.

Front

What is the Chandrasekhar limit?

Back

The Chandrasekhar limit is the maximum mass (approximately 1.4 times the mass of the Sun) that a white dwarf star can have before it will supernova.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

A black hole is a region of space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is a neutron star?

Back

A neutron star is the remnants of a supernova explosion, composed almost entirely of neutrons, and is incredibly dense.

Front

What is a white dwarf?

Back

A white dwarf is a small, dense star that is the remnant of a low or medium mass star after it has exhausted its nuclear fuel.

Front

What is the difference between a neutron star and a black hole?

Back

A neutron star is a dense stellar remnant that can be observed, while a black hole is a region of space with gravity so strong that nothing can escape from it.