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Chapter 22: Problem 15

Describe two ways in which a member of a binary star system could become a black hole.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A star in a binary star system could become a black hole through a supernova explosion or mass transfer.

Step by step solution

01

Supernova Explosion

The first way a star in a binary system could turn into a black hole is via a supernova explosion. This refers to a catastrophic event that occurs whenever there is a change in the core or center of a star. This change can happen in two different ways, either through a sudden ignition of nuclear fusion or the sudden absence of nuclear fusion. If the star is massive enough, the core will collapse under the weight of gravity, resulting in a supernova explosion and the core transforming into a black hole.
02

Mass Transfer

The second way a star in a binary system could turn into a black hole is through mass transfer. In this scenario, one star transfers its material onto its companion star. If the mass transfer is significant, leading the recipient star to acquire more mass than it can stably hold, it may collapse under its own gravitational pull, thereby forming a black hole.

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