Question

After a core collapse supernova event, what is left behind?

1) always a white dwarf
2) always a neutron star
3) always a black hole
4) either a neutron star or a black hole

Answer 1

After a core collapse supernova event, what is left behind could be either a neutron star or a black hole, depending on the mass of the star's core post-explosion.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a core collapse supernova event, the remnant left behind is not always a white dwarf. Instead, it depends on the mass of the star's core after the supernova explosion. If the core's mass is less than about 1.4 times the mass of the Sun (Msun), it becomes a white dwarf. If the core's mass is between 1.4 Msun and roughly 3 Msun, it stabilizes as a neutron star. However, for core masses exceeding 3 Msun, the intense gravitational forces cause a continuous collapse, resulting in a black hole. Therefore, the correct answer is that after a core collapse supernova event, what is left behind could be either a neutron star or a black hole.