Question

Can a white dwarf explode?

A) Yes, but only if another star collides with it; stars are so far apart in space that this is unlikely ever to have happened in our Galaxy.
B) Yes, but only if it is in a binary star system.
C) Yes, but only if nuclear reactions in the white dwarf core reach the stage of silicon fusion, producing iron.
D) No. White dwarfs are held up by electron degeneracy pressure, and this configuration is stable against collapse or explosion.

Answer 1

Yes, a white dwarf can explode under certain conditions. If it accumulates matter from a companion star at a faster rate, it can be pushed over the Chandrasekhar limit, leading to an explosive fusion and an explosion. The fusion energy produced during the explosion destroys the white dwarf.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, a white dwarf can explode. The explosion of a white dwarf can occur under certain conditions. If a white dwarf accumulates matter from a companion star at a faster rate, it can be pushed over the Chandrasekhar limit, causing it to contract and heat up. This can lead to new nuclear reactions in the core and eventually, a sudden explosive fusion that results in an explosion. The fusion energy produced during this explosion completely destroys the white dwarf.