Supernovae

Description: Test your knowledge about Supernovae, the spectacular explosions of massive stars.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: supernovae cosmology stellar evolution
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What is the primary mechanism responsible for a supernova explosion?

  1. Nuclear Fusion

  2. Gravitational Collapse

  3. Electromagnetic Repulsion

  4. Quantum Tunneling


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In a supernova, the core of a massive star collapses under its own gravity, triggering a violent explosion.

Which type of supernova results from the collapse of a massive star with a mass greater than 8 solar masses?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type III


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Type II supernovae occur when massive stars undergo core collapse and expel their outer layers.

What is the remnant left behind after a Type II supernova?

  1. Black Hole

  2. Neutron Star

  3. White Dwarf

  4. Planetary Nebula


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The core of a massive star collapses to form a neutron star, an incredibly dense object composed of neutrons.

Which type of supernova results from the thermonuclear explosion of a white dwarf?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type III


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Type Ia supernovae occur when a white dwarf accretes mass from a companion star and undergoes a runaway thermonuclear reaction.

What is the name of the brightest supernova observed in modern history?

  1. SN 1987A

  2. SN 1054

  3. SN 1572

  4. SN 1604


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

SN 1987A was a Type II supernova that occurred in the Large Magellanic Cloud in 1987.

Which element is primarily responsible for the light emitted during a supernova explosion?

  1. Hydrogen

  2. Helium

  3. Carbon

  4. Iron


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Iron is the heaviest element that can be produced in large quantities during a supernova explosion.

What is the approximate duration of a supernova explosion?

  1. Seconds

  2. Minutes

  3. Hours

  4. Days


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The actual explosion of a supernova lasts only a few seconds, although the aftermath can be visible for months or even years.

Which astronomer is credited with first proposing the idea of supernovae?

  1. Edwin Hubble

  2. Albert Einstein

  3. Tycho Brahe

  4. Johannes Kepler


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Tycho Brahe observed a new star in the constellation Cassiopeia in 1572, which is now known to have been a supernova.

What is the name of the supernova remnant associated with the Crab Nebula?

  1. SN 1054

  2. SN 1572

  3. SN 1604

  4. SN 1987A


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

SN 1054 was a supernova that occurred in 1054 and is associated with the Crab Nebula.

Which type of supernova is associated with the formation of black holes?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type III


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Type II supernovae can result in the formation of black holes if the core of the star is sufficiently massive.

What is the approximate distance to the nearest known supernova remnant?

  1. 100 light-years

  2. 1,000 light-years

  3. 10,000 light-years

  4. 100,000 light-years


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The nearest known supernova remnant is Cassiopeia A, located approximately 1,000 light-years away.

Which type of supernova is associated with the production of heavy elements such as gold and platinum?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type III


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Type II supernovae are responsible for the production of heavy elements through the process of nucleosynthesis.

What is the name of the supernova that is believed to have triggered the extinction of the dinosaurs?

  1. SN 1987A

  2. SN 1054

  3. SN 1572

  4. SN 1604


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The Chicxulub impactor is believed to have been a comet or asteroid that collided with Earth 66 million years ago, causing the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Which type of supernova is associated with the formation of neutron stars?

  1. Type Ia

  2. Type Ib

  3. Type II

  4. Type III


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Type II supernovae can result in the formation of neutron stars if the core of the star is sufficiently massive.

What is the approximate frequency of supernovae in our galaxy?

  1. Once every 100 years

  2. Once every 1,000 years

  3. Once every 10,000 years

  4. Once every 100,000 years


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The approximate frequency of supernovae in our galaxy is once every 100 years.

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