Chapter 21: Problem 26

What are the similarities between a nova and a Type Ia supernova? What are the differences?

Short Answer

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Novas and Type Ia supernovae both involve binary systems with a white dwarf accreting matter from a companion star which leads to thermonuclear explosions that brighten the star temporarily. However, novas do not destroy the white dwarf and are less luminous, while Type Ia supernovae result in the complete disintegration of the star and are extremely luminous, even being able to outshine galaxies.

Step by step solution

Understanding Nova

A nova is a sudden brightening of a star. It occurs when gas is accreted onto the surface of a white dwarf from a companion star and a thermonuclear explosion happens on the surface of the white dwarf. The accreted matter and part of the white dwarf's outer layer are then blown away into space, while the core of the white dwarf remains unharmed.

Understanding Type Ia Supernova

A Type Ia supernova is a thermonuclear explosion of a white dwarf in a binary system, too. However, this explosion is significantly more energetic and destructive than a nova. In a Type Ia supernova, the white dwarf accretes matter from its companion star until it reaches the Chandrasekhar limit (about 1.4 times the mass of the sun). At this point, the white dwarf is no longer able to support itself against its own gravity and the pressure in the star's core becomes high enough to ignite carbon fusion, leading to a runaway nuclear reaction which completely destroys the white dwarf.

Identifying similarities

The similarities between these two phenomena are: Both involve white dwarf stars in binary systems. They both involve the accretion of matter from a companion star onto the surface of the white dwarf. For both events, the accreted matter ignites in a thermonuclear explosion.

Identifying differences

Differences between these two phenomena include: In a nova, the white dwarf remains intact, only a very small amount of matter is blown away into space and the brightness changes only suddenly. In a supernova, the white dwarf is entirely destroyed, a much larger amount of matter goes into space and the brightness can increase to many orders of magnitude more than usual and can even outshine the whole galaxy in which it is located. Furthermore, the outcome of a supernova is a neutron star or a black hole, while a nova leaves the original white dwarf star behind.

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What are the similarities between a nova and a Type Ia supernova? What are the differences?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Nova

Understanding Type Ia Supernova

Identifying similarities

Identifying differences

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