Which of these characteristics of a star make it most likely to become a black
hole? Select the two correct answers.
Its mass is equal to that of the sun.
It has an abundant supply of hydrogen.
Its mass is greater than 20 times the mass of the sun.
It is dying
The two correct answers are:
- Its mass is greater than 20 times the mass of the sun.
- It is dying.
The two correct answers are:
1. Its mass is greater than 20 times the mass of the sun.
2. It is dying.
To determine which of these characteristics make a star most likely to become a black hole, we need to consider the process of stellar evolution.
1. Its mass is equal to that of the sun: This is not a characteristic that makes a star more likely to become a black hole. Stars similar in mass to the sun usually go through the process of becoming a white dwarf or a neutron star, depending on their mass and composition.
2. It has an abundant supply of hydrogen: While hydrogen is a fuel that powers nuclear fusion in stars, it does not directly determine a star's likelihood of becoming a black hole. Hydrogen is present in most stars, and its abundance is not a decisive factor in black hole formation.
3. Its mass is greater than 20 times the mass of the sun: This is one of the correct answers. This characteristic is crucial in black hole formation. According to current understanding, stars with a mass greater than about 20 times that of the sun have enough mass to undergo gravitational collapse, where their core becomes so dense that it forms a black hole.
4. It is dying: The term "dying" in the context of stars generally refers to the later stages of stellar evolution. While stars in their final stages might lead to the formation of black holes, it is not a defining characteristic in and of itself. The crucial factor is the star's mass.
In summary, the two characteristics that make a star most likely to become a black hole are having a mass greater than approximately 20 times the mass of the sun and undergoing gravitational collapse as part of its evolution.