Question

Which one of the following statements about supernova is false?

Please explain your answer.

Question 22 options:

A.	A neutron star is produced when a white dwarf exceeds a certain mass and becomes a supernova.

B.	At optical wavelengths, a supernova can appear about as bright as the entire galaxy in which it is located.

C.	A supernova produces an expanding volume of gas that is rich heavy elements.

D.	Nobody has seen a supernova in the Milky Way in the last century.

E.	One kind of supernova occurs when the iron core of a massive star collapses.

F.	a white dwarf can produce a supenovae.

Answer 1

Option F is correct i.e. it's FALSE.

Lets see how.

When a star dies it has three possibilities

1. White dwarf

2. Neutron star

3. Black hole

When core mass is < 1.4 Msun then white dwarf and when core mass>1.4 Msun, then supernova and hence neutron star. When core mass>3 Msun, the black hole.

So a white dwarf can produce a a supernova as a white dwarf is very hot when it forms, but because it has no source of energy, it will gradually radiate its energy and cool and then it called as a dark or black dwarf star. But it can be, if it's part of a binary system, then it can accrete mass and then explode in one as tupe Ia supernova.

So option F is false that a white dwarf can produce a supernova. But remember it can if it's a part of binary system.