The Supernovae

Description: Test your knowledge on the fascinating phenomenon of supernovae, the explosive deaths of massive stars.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: astrophysics supernovae stellar evolution
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What is the primary mechanism responsible for the explosion of a supernova?

  1. Nuclear fusion

  2. Gravitational collapse

  3. Supernova shockwave

  4. Neutrino emission


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

When a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it undergoes gravitational collapse, leading to a sudden and violent explosion known as a supernova.

What is the remnant left behind after a supernova explosion?

  1. Black hole

  2. Neutron star

  3. White dwarf

  4. Supernova remnant


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Depending on the mass of the progenitor star, a supernova can leave behind a neutron star or a black hole. A supernova remnant is the expanding debris from the explosion.

Which type of supernova is associated with the collapse of a massive star?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type Ic


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Type II supernovae occur when massive stars (more than 8 solar masses) undergo core collapse and explode.

What is the primary energy source for a Type Ia supernova?

  1. Nuclear fusion

  2. Gravitational collapse

  3. Thermonuclear runaway

  4. Neutrino emission


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Type Ia supernovae are triggered by the thermonuclear runaway of carbon and oxygen in a white dwarf, leading to a rapid and explosive burning.

Which type of supernova is known for producing heavy elements through nucleosynthesis?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type Ic


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Type II supernovae are responsible for the production of heavy elements (elements heavier than iron) through nucleosynthesis during the explosion.

What is the approximate frequency of supernovae in our galaxy?

  1. Once every 100 years

  2. Once every 1000 years

  3. Once every 10,000 years

  4. Once every 100,000 years


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The average frequency of supernovae in our galaxy is estimated to be about once every 100 years.

Which supernova remnant is the most famous and well-studied?

  1. Crab Nebula

  2. Cassiopeia A

  3. Tycho's Supernova Remnant

  4. Kepler's Supernova Remnant


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Crab Nebula is the most famous supernova remnant due to its association with the supernova observed by Chinese astronomers in 1054 AD and its unique properties, including a pulsar and a synchrotron nebula.

What is the name of the closest supernova remnant to Earth?

  1. Vela Supernova Remnant

  2. Cassiopeia A

  3. Tycho's Supernova Remnant

  4. Kepler's Supernova Remnant


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Vela Supernova Remnant is the closest supernova remnant to Earth, located about 800 light-years away.

Which supernova provided evidence for the existence of neutrinos?

  1. SN 1987A

  2. SN 2006gy

  3. SN 2011fe

  4. SN 2014J


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

SN 1987A, a supernova in the Large Magellanic Cloud, provided strong evidence for the existence of neutrinos through the detection of a neutrino burst.

What is the name of the first supernova to be observed with a telescope?

  1. SN 1572

  2. SN 1604

  3. SN 1885A

  4. SN 1987A


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

SN 1572, also known as Tycho's Supernova, was the first supernova to be observed with a telescope by Tycho Brahe in 1572.

Which type of supernova is associated with the explosion of a white dwarf?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type Ic


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Type Ia supernovae occur when a white dwarf accretes mass from a companion star, leading to a thermonuclear runaway and explosion.

What is the name of the supernova that was visible in broad daylight?

  1. SN 1006

  2. SN 1054

  3. SN 1572

  4. SN 1987A


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

SN 1006, also known as the 'Guest Star,' was a supernova that was visible in broad daylight in 1006 AD.

Which type of supernova is associated with the explosion of a massive star that has lost its outer layers?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type Ic


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Type Ib and Type Ic supernovae occur when massive stars lose their outer layers through stellar winds, leaving behind a core that undergoes gravitational collapse and explosion.

What is the name of the supernova that was used to measure the expansion rate of the universe?

  1. SN 1994I

  2. SN 1998bw

  3. SN 2003fg

  4. SN 2011fe


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

SN 1994I, a Type Ia supernova, was used to measure the expansion rate of the universe and provided evidence for the accelerating expansion.

Which type of supernova is associated with the explosion of a massive star that retains its outer layers?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type Ic


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Type II supernovae occur when massive stars retain their outer layers and undergo gravitational collapse, leading to an explosion that ejects both the core and the outer layers.

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