Exam-style question
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What distinguishes the outcome of a star with a mass greater than 20 solar masses from one with a mass between 8 and 20 solar masses?.
- A.Both become black holes.
- B.Both undergo supernova explosions.
- C.The former becomes a black hole, while the latter becomes a neutron star.
- D.The former becomes a neutron star, while the latter becomes a white dwarf.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The former becomes a black hole, while the latter becomes a neutron star.
Explanation
Why this works
The key difference is that stars greater than 20 solar masses can collapse into black holes after a supernova, while those between 8 and 20 solar masses typically become neutron stars. This distinction applies because of the different gravitational forces and fusion processes at play in these massive stars.
Common mistake
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