Question

What is the Chandrasekhar limit?

A) time limit of the existence of a planetary nebula, beyond which the nebula dissipates and becomes too rarified to see
B) time limit for the transfer of mass to a white dwarf in a close binary system, beyond which the white dwarf erupts in a nova
C) mass limit to the total mass of a white dwarf, beyond which it will erupt in a nova
D) mass limit to the total mass of a white dwarf, beyond which the electron degeneracy pressure will be overcome and the core will collapse

Answer 1

The Chandrasekhar limit is the maximum mass of a white dwarf before it collapses. It is equal to 1.4 times the mass of the Sun. Beyond this limit, the electron degeneracy pressure is overcome and the core collapses, leading to a type Ia supernova explosion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Chandrasekhar limit refers to the maximum mass that a white dwarf can have before collapsing under its own gravity. It is equal to 1.4 times the mass of the Sun. Beyond this limit, the electron degeneracy pressure, which keeps the white dwarf stable, is overcome and the core collapses.

When the mass of a white dwarf exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit, it can lead to a type Ia supernova explosion. This occurs when the white dwarf accretes mass from a companion star in a binary system, pushing it over the limit and causing a violent explosion.

Therefore, the correct answer is D) mass limit to the total mass of a white dwarf, beyond which the electron degeneracy pressure will be overcome and the core will collapse.