Question

Put the steps of a high-mass star's core collapse and explosion event in order.

1) The nuclear fusion of heavier and heavier elements.
2) Electrons are absorbed by protons, creating neutrons and neutrinos.
3) The collapse of the core into a ball of neutrons.
4) A shock wave propagates outward from the core.

Answer 1

The collapse and explosion of a high-mass star involve the formation of heavier elements through fusion, core collapse beyond the Chandrasekhar limit, creation of neutrons, a rebound shock wave, and the outward propagation of the shock wave leading to a supernova.

Step-by-step explanation:

The steps of a high-mass star's core collapse and explosion event, also known as a supernova, are as follows:

1. Nuclear fusion of heavier and heavier elements until an iron core is formed.
2. The core exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit and begins to collapse, forming a neutron star.
3. Electrons are absorbed by protons, creating neutrons and neutrinos.
4. The collapse of the core is abruptly halted by degenerate neutrons, causing a rebound.
5. A shock wave propagates outward from the core due to the rebound.

This process leads to the explosion of the star, dispersing elements into space and possibly leaving behind a neutron star, or in some cases, a pulsar. The shock wave that blows apart the star is aided by the neutrinos interacting with the surrounding matter, reversing the infall of the star's layers and causing the explosion.