This depends on two things: 1. if the white dwarf is in a binary system and 2. the amount of matter being dumped onto the white dwarf from its companion star. More information is needed to determine if a nova will occur and if so, how long it will take.
This depends on two things: 1. if the white dwarf is in a binary system and 2. the amount of matter being dumped onto the white dwarf from its companion star. More information is needed to determine if a nova will occur and if so, how long it will take.
Both neutron stars and white dwarfs form because they are unable to withstand their own gravity; they are both extremely dense. The difference between their densities is related to their masses, which are related to their compositions. Because neutrons are more massive than electrons, neutron stars are more dense than white dwarfs.
Falling into a black hole is 100% likely to occur if a person enters the event horizon, or the location around a black hole where the escape velocity is equal to the speed of light.
Could you expand on what the Chandrasekhar Limit is? You mentioned this in the context of a binary star system, is it just as important in a single star system?
The Chandrasekhar limit represents the mass at which a white dwarf cannot fight electron degeneracy pressure and implodes in on itself (1.4 solar masses and above). Its relevance in a binary star system is related to the fact that additional mass can be transferred to a white dwarf from its companion. The Chandrasekhar limit is irrelevant if no additional mass is being dumped onto a stable white dwarf.
Given the mass and size of black holes, what would be the approximate density of a black hole? How does this compare to other dense objects in our galaxy?
Considering general relativity breaks down inside of a black hole, it is not possible to calculate its density. Scientists describe black holes as "infinitely" dense.
Type Ia supernovae occur as a result of a companion star in a binary system dumping its matter onto an unstable white dwarf. A nova is the explosion of the outside layer of gases (hydrogen and helium) on a white dwarf, but a Type Ia supernova is when those stellar remnants completely blow apart.
This question is difficult to answer. The exact number of white dwarfs that have been discovered isn't known, and new white dwarfs are being created and destroyed all the time.
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, while studying at Cambridge University, noticed regular radio pulses in the universe. Eventually, the objects producing those pulses were named "pulsars." The discovery of pulsars created many theories, and the one that withstood scientific scrutiny (neutron stars) was developed.
How many miles doe the Even Horizon of a Black Hole cover?
ReplyDeleteThe size of an event horizon is proportional to the mass of its black hole. For every solar mass, the event horizon would be around 2.7 km.
DeleteHow did the White Dwarfs get their names?
ReplyDeleteWhite dwarfs appear white in color when observed through a telescope, and "dwarf" comes from their small size (radius similar to that of the Earth).
DeleteHow long does it take for a white dwarf to turn into a nova?
ReplyDeleteThis depends on two things: 1. if the white dwarf is in a binary system and 2. the amount of matter being dumped onto the white dwarf from its companion star. More information is needed to determine if a nova will occur and if so, how long it will take.
DeleteHow long does it take for a white dwarf to turn into a nova?
ReplyDeleteThis depends on two things: 1. if the white dwarf is in a binary system and 2. the amount of matter being dumped onto the white dwarf from its companion star. More information is needed to determine if a nova will occur and if so, how long it will take.
DeleteWhy are neutron stars way more dense than white dwarfs?
ReplyDeleteBoth neutron stars and white dwarfs form because they are unable to withstand their own gravity; they are both extremely dense. The difference between their densities is related to their masses, which are related to their compositions. Because neutrons are more massive than electrons, neutron stars are more dense than white dwarfs.
DeleteIs it easy to fall into a black hole?
ReplyDeleteFalling into a black hole is 100% likely to occur if a person enters the event horizon, or the location around a black hole where the escape velocity is equal to the speed of light.
DeleteCould you expand on what the Chandrasekhar Limit is? You mentioned this in the context of a binary star system, is it just as important in a single star system?
ReplyDeleteThe Chandrasekhar limit represents the mass at which a white dwarf cannot fight electron degeneracy pressure and implodes in on itself (1.4 solar masses and above). Its relevance in a binary star system is related to the fact that additional mass can be transferred to a white dwarf from its companion. The Chandrasekhar limit is irrelevant if no additional mass is being dumped onto a stable white dwarf.
DeleteGiven the mass and size of black holes, what would be the approximate density of a black hole? How does this compare to other dense objects in our galaxy?
ReplyDeleteConsidering general relativity breaks down inside of a black hole, it is not possible to calculate its density. Scientists describe black holes as "infinitely" dense.
DeleteWhat will happen to Earth when our Sun becomes a white dwarf?
ReplyDeleteBy the time the Sun is a white dwarf, the Earth will have already been vaporized from the Sun being in the Red Giant stage.
DeleteWhat does it take to get a 1a type supernovae
ReplyDeleteType Ia supernovae occur as a result of a companion star in a binary system dumping its matter onto an unstable white dwarf. A nova is the explosion of the outside layer of gases (hydrogen and helium) on a white dwarf, but a Type Ia supernova is when those stellar remnants completely blow apart.
DeleteHow many white dwarfs are currently known?
ReplyDeleteThis question is difficult to answer. The exact number of white dwarfs that have been discovered isn't known, and new white dwarfs are being created and destroyed all the time.
DeleteDame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, while studying at Cambridge University, noticed regular radio pulses in the universe. Eventually, the objects producing those pulses were named "pulsars." The discovery of pulsars created many theories, and the one that withstood scientific scrutiny (neutron stars) was developed.
ReplyDelete