Shock waves from supernovae disrupt an interstellar cloud and prevent it from forming stars.
True
or
False
TRUE
The statement is true. Shock waves from supernovae can indeed disrupt an interstellar cloud and prevent it from forming stars. However, it is important to note that not all supernovae have this effect, as it depends on the distance between the interstellar cloud and the exploding star.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the process involved. When a massive star reaches the end of its life, it undergoes a catastrophic explosion known as a supernova. This explosion generates an intense release of energy, which includes shock waves propagating outwards into the surrounding interstellar medium.
When these shock waves encounter an interstellar cloud, they compress the gas and dust within the cloud. This compression can increase the density and temperature of the cloud, which can trigger star formation. However, if the shock waves are too powerful or the interstellar cloud is too close to the supernova, they can disrupt the cloud's structure and prevent the formation of new stars.
This disruption occurs because the shock waves impart a large amount of energy and momentum to the cloud. This energy can cause turbulence and dispersal of the cloud's material, preventing it from collapsing to form stars. Additionally, the shock waves can heat up the gas within the cloud, making it more difficult for gravitational forces to overcome the thermal pressure and initiate the star formation process.
Therefore, if a supernova occurs near an interstellar cloud, it is possible for the shock waves to disrupt the cloud and inhibit star formation, making the statement "shock waves from supernovae disrupt an interstellar cloud and prevent it from forming stars" true.