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When is the core collapse phase at the end of the life of a massive star triggered?
The core collapse of a massive star comences as the core has finished fusing the rest of its fuel into iron, the last and heaviest element forged in high-mass stars. At this point the risidual energy put out by the fusing of elements is not worth the energy it takes to fuse them together. Since the fusion process is no longer being carried out, the thermal radiation that is being created by thermonuclear fusion in the core is no longer available and cannot continue to push outward in the opposite direction of the force of gravity, so the impending collapse is triggered then by the ultimate win-out of gravity against the star's internal forces.
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Does a supernova implode or explode to form a black hole?
It depends on the mass of the star. When massive stars die the result is usually an enormous explosion called a supernova, but the core will collapse to form a dense remnant. If the remnant is less than 3 times the mass of the sun then it will form a neutron star. If it is greater than 3 times the mass of the sun it will form a black hole. Extremely massive stars may collapse directly into a black hole with no supernova.
Why do type 2 supernovae occur in massive stars when the core reaches a critical mass of iron?
Type 2 supernovae occur in massive stars when the iron core reaches a critical mass because fusion of iron absorbs energy rather than releasing it. This causes a buildup of inert iron in the core, leading to a collapse due to lack of outward pressure to counteract gravity. The collapse triggers a powerful explosion, resulting in a Type 2 supernova.
A massive star with what element does nuclear fusion stop?
A massive star with iron in its core will stop nuclear fusion, leading to its collapse and eventual explosion as a supernova. Iron is the element at which fusion becomes endothermic, meaning energy is no longer released in the process.
In stars more massive than the Sun fusion continues until the core is almost all?
Iron. Iron is the heaviest element that can be produced through nuclear fusion in a star, and once the core of a massive star is mostly composed of iron, it can no longer sustain fusion reactions. This triggers its collapse and ultimately leads to a supernova explosion.
Do blue stars become black holes?
Yes, massive blue stars can eventually collapse and form black holes at the end of their lives. When a blue star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it undergoes a supernova explosion and if the remaining core is massive enough, it can collapse into a black hole due to gravitational forces.
How long does it take for a massive star's core to become iron from silicon?
The process of core collapse to form iron from silicon in a massive star can occur in a matter of days to weeks. This phase, known as core-collapse supernova, is an explosive event where the iron core rapidly collapses and rebounds, leading to the synthesis of heavier elements.
How long does it take for the core of a massive star to collapse once fusion ceases?
Once fusion ceases in a massive star, it takes only a few seconds for the core to collapse and undergo a supernova explosion.
Why can only very massive stars form a black hole?
When a star dies the core collapses, but in most cases collapse stops at the level of either a white dwarf or a neutron star. The internal pressure of the remnant core is enough to stop further collapse. Only the most massive stars have strong enough gravity to overcome these forces and collapse into black holes.
The final core element for a massive star is?
The final core element for a massive star is iron. When a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel, iron builds up in its core due to fusion reactions. Iron cannot undergo further fusion to release energy, leading to a collapse and subsequent supernova explosion.
What happens when a massive star cools and collapses?
Massive stars do not cool as they collapse, the collapse in on themselves because their cores become too heavy and dense, these atoms in the core are in an area so dense and so hot that it continues to increase its temperature as it explodes.
Does a supernova implode or explode to form a black hole?
It depends on the mass of the star. When massive stars die the result is usually an enormous explosion called a supernova, but the core will collapse to form a dense remnant. If the remnant is less than 3 times the mass of the sun then it will form a neutron star. If it is greater than 3 times the mass of the sun it will form a black hole. Extremely massive stars may collapse directly into a black hole with no supernova.
What happens to a massive star when its fusion period is over?
Once a star's nuclear fusion has ended, it will collapse inside its core and become what is known as a white dwarf. Its outer layers will shoot out into the universe as planet nebula. If they are very large, stars will explode into a Supernova and their core will collapse into a black hole.
Why do type 2 supernovae occur in massive stars when the core reaches a critical mass of iron?
Type 2 supernovae occur in massive stars when the iron core reaches a critical mass because fusion of iron absorbs energy rather than releasing it. This causes a buildup of inert iron in the core, leading to a collapse due to lack of outward pressure to counteract gravity. The collapse triggers a powerful explosion, resulting in a Type 2 supernova.
When a protostar dies it turns into what?
A Protostar doesn't really die. It is the early stage of star formation. If there is not enough mass you end up with a brown dwarf. If the mass is sufficient the next step is called a T Tauri star. The next phase would be a main-sequence star. Then depending on it's mass It will become a white dwarf or a red giant. If the red giant is massive enough the core collapse even more until the outer layers explode off, called a supernova. If the star was massive enough the core that is left behind will collapse into a neutron star or a black hole.
What makes a high-mass stars core collapse?
the high mass star's core collapse because its gravity
How is a black hole made and what are the key processes involved in its formation?
A black hole is formed when a massive star collapses under its own gravity at the end of its life cycle. The key processes involved in its formation include the core of the star running out of nuclear fuel, leading to a rapid collapse and the formation of a singularity, a point of infinite density. This collapse causes the outer layers of the star to be expelled in a supernova explosion, leaving behind a dense core that can further collapse into a black hole if it is massive enough.
How is a supernova formed and what are the key processes involved in its creation?
A supernova is formed when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses under its own gravity. The key processes involved in its creation include the fusion of elements in the star's core, the buildup of iron, and the sudden collapse and explosion of the star's outer layers. This explosion releases a tremendous amount of energy and creates a bright, expanding shell of gas and dust.
