Author Question: Suppose that a white dwarf is gaining mass through accretion in a binary system. What happens if the ... (Read 71 times)

natalie2426 · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

Suppose that a white dwarf is gaining mass through accretion in a binary system. What happens if the mass someday reaches the 1.4 solar mass limit?

A) The white dwarf will collapse in size, becoming a neutron star.
B) The white dwarf will undergo a nova explosion.
C) The white dwarf will explode completely as a white dwarf supernova.
D) The white dwarf will collapse to become a black hole.

Question 2

Briefly explain why sunspots are cooler than surrounding regions of the Sun and why they look dark in photos.

What will be an ideal response?

kswal303 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C

Answer to Question 2

They are cooler because their strong magnetic fields suppress convection and prevent hotter material from flowing into them. Because they are cooler, they emit less thermal radiation per unit area and therefore look dark in contrast to brighter surrounding regions.