Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals
Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals
3rd Edition
ISBN: 9780134988504
Author: Bennett, Jeffrey O., Donahue, M. (megan), SCHNEIDER, Nicholas, Voit, Mark
Publisher: Pearson,
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 10, Problem 1QQ

Choose the best answer to each of the following. Explain your reasoning.

A white dwarf is (a) what most stars become when they die. (b) a slowly rotating neutron star. (c) a type of supernova.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
To determine

The correct option for the meaning of a white dwarf.

Answer to Problem 1QQ

(a) What most stars become when they die.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Stars have a lifecycle like any living specie. Stars are born in stellar nursery known as nebula. They grow and become a main-sequence star. Majority of their life is spent in the main sequence. Stars die and their fate depends on their mass.

An average mass star like sun becomes a red giant at the end of the main sequence stage and ultimately dies to become a white dwarf. Most of the stars have average mass and thus ultimately their core becomes a white dwarf after expelling majority of their mass. A white dwarf is a very dense core which contains electron-degenerate matter.

Thus, option (a) is correct.

A massive star goes supernova and becomes either a slowly rotating neutron star or a blackhole.

Thus, option (b) and (c) are incorrect.

Conclusion:

Thus, the correct option is (a).

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
PLEASE be clear in your answer since the last time I posted was incorrect, and only answer part b, thanks.
See the screenshot uploaded. Answer in a step-by-step format, add diagrams, and detailed side notes for a better understanding. For a more clear response please answer on paper  Thank you!
Hi, pls help me answer these questions. I hope I'd get all the items done for reference purpose. Thank you so much. ***1. From your understanding of nuclear fission, explain how an atomic bomb works. 2. Why do heavy elements such as uranium undergo fission while light elements such as hydrogen and lithium undergo fusion? 3. What are the advantages of a fusion reactor over a fission reactor? What are the practical difficulties in operating large-scale fusion reactor?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:9780133969290
Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:9781107189638
Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Text book image
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:9781337553278
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:9780321820464
Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:Addison-Wesley
Text book image
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...
Physics
ISBN:9780134609034
Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:PEARSON
General Relativity: The Curvature of Spacetime; Author: Professor Dave Explains;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7V3koyL7Mc;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY