What causes a supernova?(1 point) Responses force of a nebula force of a nebula energy of a nebula energy of a nebula energy of heat energy of heat force of gravity
The force of gravity.
The correct answer is: force of gravity.
The cause of a supernova is the force of gravity. When a massive star reaches the end of its life, it undergoes a catastrophic collapse due to the overwhelming force of gravity pulling its outer layers inward. This collapse happens because the star has exhausted its nuclear fuel, which previously counteracted gravity's pull.
To explain further, during most of its life, a star generates energy through nuclear fusion in its core. Fusion occurs when hydrogen atoms combine to form helium and release an enormous amount of energy. This energy pushes outward, creating a balance between the intense pressure from fusion and the gravitational force pulling inward.
However, a massive star eventually runs out of hydrogen fuel to sustain fusion. As a result, the core starts to contract under its own weight. This collapse generates an immense amount of heat and pressure, causing the core to become denser. In some cases, this collapse can be halted by electron degeneracy pressure, which prevents the core from collapsing further.
But when the core's mass exceeds a critical limit, around 1.4 times the mass of the Sun, electron degeneracy pressure is no longer sufficient to resist gravity. This leads to an even more rapid collapse of the core, resulting in a catastrophic explosion known as a supernova.
During the supernova explosion, the star's outer layers are ejected into space at tremendous speeds, releasing an enormous amount of energy and producing a brilliant display of light and radiation. This energy is what makes supernovae one of the most energetic events in the universe.
In summary, the force of gravity, combined with the exhaustion of nuclear fuel, causes the collapse and explosion of a massive star, giving rise to a supernova.