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Chapter 22: Problem 43

The spectrum of a Type Ic supernova lacks absorption lines of hydrogen and helium. This means that when a black hole formed at the center of the progenitor star, the resulting jets were more easily able to escape into space. Explain why this is so.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The lack of hydrogen and helium, as signified by their missing absorption lines in a Type Ic supernova, makes it easier for the jets from the formed black hole to escape into space, as there are fewer lighter elements standing in their path, offering lesser resistance.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Absorption Lines

In spectroscopy, absorption lines appear when atoms or molecules absorb certain wavelengths of light and then re-emit them, removing that energy from the spectrum. The pattern of absorption lines can reveal what elements are present, among other things.
02

Defining Type Ic Supernova

A Type Ic supernova is a type of supernova caused by the core collapse of a massive star that has lost its outer layers of hydrogen and helium, leaving only heavier elements like carbon and oxygen. The lack of hydrogen and helium absorption lines in a Type Ic supernova signifies that these lighter elements had been stripped off.
03

Understanding the Role of a Black Hole and its Jets

In a supernova, if the core collapse results in a black hole, jets of energy and matter are created, which attempt to escape into space. These jets are usually hampered by the star's outer layer, including hydrogen and helium, in most types of supernovae.
04

Explaining the Phenomenon

In the case of a Type Ic supernova, however, since there are fewer lighter elements like hydrogen and helium to obstruct these jets due to prior stripping, these jets find a less resistive path. Therefore, they can escape into space more easily.

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