Supernovas and Their Impact

Description: Supernovas and Their Impact Quiz
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: astronomy supernovas stellar evolution
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is a supernova?

  1. A sudden and powerful explosion of a massive star

  2. A collision between two neutron stars

  3. A nova that occurs in a binary star system

  4. A type of black hole


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life. It is caused by the collapse of the star's core, which triggers a shock wave that blasts the star's outer layers into space.

What is the difference between a Type Ia and a Type II supernova?

  1. Type Ia supernovae are caused by the collapse of a white dwarf, while Type II supernovae are caused by the collapse of a massive star

  2. Type Ia supernovae are brighter than Type II supernovae

  3. Type Ia supernovae produce more heavy elements than Type II supernovae

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Type Ia supernovae are caused by the collapse of a white dwarf, while Type II supernovae are caused by the collapse of a massive star. Type Ia supernovae are brighter than Type II supernovae and produce more heavy elements.

What is the remnant of a supernova?

  1. A neutron star

  2. A black hole

  3. A white dwarf

  4. A planetary nebula


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The remnant of a supernova can be a neutron star or a black hole, depending on the mass of the star that exploded. If the star was massive enough, it will collapse into a black hole. If the star was less massive, it will collapse into a neutron star.

What are the effects of a supernova on its surroundings?

  1. It can trigger the formation of new stars

  2. It can enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements

  3. It can create a shock wave that can compress and heat nearby gas

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A supernova can trigger the formation of new stars by compressing and heating nearby gas. It can also enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, which are essential for the formation of new stars and planets. Additionally, the shock wave from a supernova can compress and heat nearby gas, which can lead to the formation of new stars.

Which supernova is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?

  1. SN 1987A

  2. SN 1054

  3. Chicxulub impactor

  4. SN 1572


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Chicxulub impactor is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. It was a comet or asteroid that impacted Earth 66 million years ago, creating a crater that is now located in the Gulf of Mexico.

What is the name of the supernova that was observed by Johannes Kepler in 1604?

  1. SN 1987A

  2. SN 1054

  3. SN 1572

  4. SN 1604


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

SN 1604 was a supernova that was observed by Johannes Kepler in 1604. It was one of the brightest supernovae ever recorded and was visible in the night sky for several months.

What is the name of the supernova remnant that is located in the constellation of Taurus?

  1. Crab Nebula

  2. Orion Nebula

  3. Horsehead Nebula

  4. Pleiades


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant that is located in the constellation of Taurus. It is the remnant of a supernova that was observed in 1054 AD.

What is the name of the pulsar that is located at the center of the Crab Nebula?

  1. PSR B1919+21

  2. PSR B1509-58

  3. PSR J0437-4715

  4. PSR B1257+12


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

PSR B1919+21 is a pulsar that is located at the center of the Crab Nebula. It is one of the most famous pulsars in the universe and was the first pulsar to be discovered.

What is the name of the supernova that was observed in 1987?

  1. SN 1987A

  2. SN 1054

  3. SN 1572

  4. SN 1604


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

SN 1987A was a supernova that was observed in 1987. It was the first supernova to be observed in detail since the invention of the telescope.

What is the name of the supernova remnant that is located in the constellation of Cassiopeia?

  1. Cassiopeia A

  2. Orion Nebula

  3. Horsehead Nebula

  4. Pleiades


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cassiopeia A is a supernova remnant that is located in the constellation of Cassiopeia. It is the remnant of a supernova that was observed in 1680.

What is the name of the pulsar that is located at the center of Cassiopeia A?

  1. PSR B0531+21

  2. PSR B1509-58

  3. PSR J0437-4715

  4. PSR B1257+12


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

PSR B0531+21 is a pulsar that is located at the center of Cassiopeia A. It is one of the most famous pulsars in the universe and was the first pulsar to be discovered to have a supernova remnant associated with it.

What is the name of the supernova that was observed in 1572?

  1. SN 1987A

  2. SN 1054

  3. SN 1572

  4. SN 1604


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

SN 1572 was a supernova that was observed in 1572. It was one of the brightest supernovae ever recorded and was visible in the night sky for several months.

What is the name of the supernova remnant that is located in the constellation of Cygnus?

  1. Cygnus Loop

  2. Orion Nebula

  3. Horsehead Nebula

  4. Pleiades


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cygnus Loop is a supernova remnant that is located in the constellation of Cygnus. It is the remnant of a supernova that was observed in 1661.

What is the name of the pulsar that is located at the center of the Cygnus Loop?

  1. PSR B1957+20

  2. PSR B1509-58

  3. PSR J0437-4715

  4. PSR B1257+12


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

PSR B1957+20 is a pulsar that is located at the center of the Cygnus Loop. It is one of the most famous pulsars in the universe and was the first pulsar to be discovered to have a supernova remnant associated with it.

What is the name of the supernova that was observed in 1054?

  1. SN 1987A

  2. SN 1054

  3. SN 1572

  4. SN 1604


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

SN 1054 was a supernova that was observed in 1054. It was one of the brightest supernovae ever recorded and was visible in the night sky for several months.

- Hide questions