What is the difference between a planetary nebula and a supernova remnant?

Answer 1

A planetary nebula is formed when a medium-sized star, like our Sun, exhausts its nuclear fuel and sheds its outer layers, leaving behind a hot core that ionizes the ejected gas, creating a glowing shell. In contrast, a supernova remnant results from the explosive death of a massive star, which leads to a supernova explosion that disperses the star's material at high velocities. While both involve the ejection of stellar material, planetary nebulae are generally less energetic and arise from less massive stars, whereas supernova remnants are the remnants of more massive stars and exhibit more complex dynamics and higher energy outputs.