Why does the supernova explosion happen right after the star collapses?
As the star runs out of nuclear fuel, some of its mass flows into its core. Eventually, the core is so heavy that it cannot withstand its own gravitational force. The core collapses, which results in the giant explosion of a supernova.
What causes supernova?
When the pressure drops low enough in a massive star, gravity suddenly takes over and the star collapses in just seconds. This collapse produces the explosion we call a supernova. When stars are especially large, the core collapses into a black hole. Otherwise, the core becomes an ultra-dense neutron star.
What element causes a star to collapse into a supernova?
For a star to explode as a Type II supernova, it must be at several times more massive than the sun (estimates run from eight to 15 solar masses). Like the sun, it will eventually run out of hydrogen and then helium fuel at its core. However, it will have enough mass and pressure to fuse carbon.
What process produces a stars energy and prevents it from collapsing on itself?
Nuclear fusion, the source of all the energy so generously radiated by the Sun, does two things: it converts hydrogen into helium (or rather, makes helium nuclei from protons) and it converts mass to energy. The outward pressure from the fusion reactions keeps the stars from collapsing.
Why does a collapsing star explode?
Imagine something one million times the mass of Earth collapsing in 15 seconds! The collapse happens so quickly that it creates enormous shock waves that cause the outer part of the star to explode! Usually a very dense core is left behind, along with an expanding cloud of hot gas called a nebula.
What causes a star to collapse?
Gravity constantly works to try and cause the star to collapse. The star’s core, however is very hot which creates pressure within the gas. This pressure counteracts the force of gravity, putting the star into what is called hydrostatic equilibrium.
What happens when a supernova collapses?
The collapse happens so quickly that it creates enormous shock waves that cause the outer part of the star to explode! Usually a very dense core is left behind, along with an expanding cloud of hot gas called a nebula.
How does a supernova completely destroy a star?
A supernova does not completely destroy a star. Supernovae are the most violent explosions in the universe. Rather, when a star explodes into a supernova, its core survives. The reason for this is that the explosion is caused by a gravitational rebound effect and not by a chemical reaction, as explained by NASA.