Which description best summarizes the steps that take place during black hole
formation, in the correct order?
A small star gains mass through fusion reactions; core of star collapses;
increased radiation triggers a supernova.
Supernova explodes a massive star; remaining core expands; nuclear
reactions diminish the effects of gravity.
A massive star depletes its nuclear fuel; gravity overpowers the star;
supernova occurs; core of star collapses.
Supernova triggers fusion reactions; massive star implodes due to extreme
radiation; volume and mass of star increase rapidly
Which description best summarizes the steps that take place during black hole
formation, in the correct order?
A small star gains mass through fusion reactions; core of star collapses;
increased radiation triggers a supernova.
Supernova explodes a massive star; remaining core expands; nuclear
reactions diminish the effects of gravity.
A massive star depletes its nuclear fuel; gravity overpowers the star;
supernova occurs; core of star collapses.
Supernova triggers fusion reactions; massive star implodes due to extreme
radiation; volume and mass of star increase rapidly
The correct order of the steps that take place during black hole formation is:
1. A massive star depletes its nuclear fuel; gravity overpowers the star; supernova occurs; core of star collapses.
In this step, a massive star runs out of fuel and gravitational forces overpower the radiation pressure, causing the star to collapse. This collapse triggers a supernova explosion.
2. Core of star collapses.
As the star collapses, the core continues to shrink, becoming denser and more compact.
3. A small star gains mass through fusion reactions; increased radiation triggers a supernova.
This statement does not accurately describe the steps in black hole formation. A small star gaining mass through fusion reactions does not lead to the formation of a black hole.
4. Supernova triggers fusion reactions; massive star implodes due to extreme radiation; volume and mass of star increase rapidly.
This statement also does not accurately describe the steps in black hole formation. A supernova explosion does not trigger fusion reactions, and the volume and mass of the star do not increase during the implosion.
The correct order of steps during black hole formation is:
1. A massive star depletes its nuclear fuel.
2. Gravity overpowers the star, causing a supernova to occur.
3. The core of the star collapses.
4. A black hole is formed.
The correct description that summarizes the steps that take place during black hole formation, in the correct order, is:
1. A massive star depletes its nuclear fuel.
2. Gravity overpowers the star.
3. A supernova occurs.
4. The core of the star collapses.
To arrive at this answer, we can go through the options step by step:
Option 1: "A small star gains mass through fusion reactions; core of star collapses; increased radiation triggers a supernova."
This option is not correct because it describes the process of a small star gaining mass and collapsing, which is not consistent with the formation of a black hole.
Option 2: "Supernova explodes a massive star; remaining core expands; nuclear reactions diminish the effects of gravity."
This option is also incorrect because it describes the opposite of what happens during black hole formation. In a supernova, the star explodes and the remaining core expands, whereas during black hole formation, the core collapses.
Option 3: "A massive star depletes its nuclear fuel; gravity overpowers the star; supernova occurs; the core of the star collapses."
This option is the correct description. First, the massive star depletes its nuclear fuel, which means it can no longer generate energy to counteract gravity. As a result, gravitational forces overpower the star's internal pressure, leading to the collapse of the core. This collapse triggers a supernova, which is an incredibly powerful explosion. Finally, the core of the star collapses even further, forming a black hole.
Option 4: "Supernova triggers fusion reactions; a massive star implodes due to extreme radiation; the volume and mass of the star increase rapidly."
This option is incorrect because it describes the opposite of what happens during a supernova. Instead of triggering fusion reactions and causing the star to increase in volume and mass, a supernova occurs after a massive star has exhausted its nuclear fuel and the core collapses.
Therefore, the correct order of the steps during black hole formation is:
1. A massive star depletes its nuclear fuel.
2. Gravity overpowers the star.
3. A supernova occurs.
4. The core of the star collapses.