Final answer:
In addition to the accreted hydrogen ejected into space from a white dwarf nova, the white dwarf also ejects helium and other heavier elements during the nova explosion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a white dwarf undergoes a nova event, the accumulated hydrogen on its surface undergoes a rapid fusion process due to the extreme pressure and temperature. This fusion generates a significant amount of energy, leading to a thermonuclear runaway reaction. As a result, the outer layers of the white dwarf are expelled into space.
Alongside the hydrogen, the white dwarf also ejects helium and heavier elements synthesized through nuclear fusion during the nova explosion. These elements, such as carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, are produced in the intense heat and pressure, contributing to the enriched material released into the surrounding space.
The ejection of these elements plays a crucial role in the chemical enrichment of interstellar material, influencing the formation of new stars, planets, and other celestial bodies in the universe. Therefore, beyond hydrogen, the white dwarf nova ejects a mixture of helium and heavier elements, shaping the composition of cosmic material in its vicinity.