What do supernova remnant and planetary nebulae have in common? Select the three correct answers.(2 points)
Responses
They are composed only of hydrogen and helium.
They are composed only of hydrogen and helium.
They have planets circling them.
They have planets circling them.
They are diffuse.
They are diffuse.
They contribute matter to interstellar space.
They contribute matter to interstellar space.
They are composed of matter from dying stars.
They are composed of matter from dying stars.
They contribute matter to interstellar space.
They are composed of matter from dying stars.
They are diffuse.
The three correct answers are:
- They are diffuse.
- They contribute matter to interstellar space.
- They are composed of matter from dying stars.
The correct answers are:
1. They are diffuse.
2. They contribute matter to interstellar space.
3. They are composed of matter from dying stars.
To arrive at these answers, we need to understand the characteristics and origins of supernova remnants and planetary nebulae.
A supernova remnant is the leftover material from a massive star that has exploded as a supernova. When a massive star reaches the end of its life and exhausts its nuclear fuel, the core collapses, resulting in a tremendous explosion. The explosion disperses the outer layers of the star into space, creating a supernova remnant. These remnants are diffuse because the explosion scatters the matter over a large area.
Planetary nebulae, on the other hand, are formed by low- to intermediate-mass stars like our Sun as they near the end of their lives. As the star expands and sheds its outer layers, a glowing shell of gas and dust forms around the remaining hot core. This shell is called a planetary nebula. Similar to supernova remnants, planetary nebulae are also diffuse because the gas and dust are spread out.
Both supernova remnants and planetary nebulae contribute matter to interstellar space. When a star explodes or sheds its outer layers, it releases elements and particles into space. These materials mix with the existing interstellar medium, enriching it with heavier elements and providing raw materials for the formation of new stars and planetary systems.
Lastly, both supernova remnants and planetary nebulae are composed of matter from dying stars. The materials that make up these structures were originally part of the outer layers of the stars before undergoing explosive events or being expelled during the late stages of stellar evolution. Therefore, they are primarily composed of elements like hydrogen, helium, and other elements synthesized within the stars during their lifetimes.
In summary, the three common characteristics shared by supernova remnants and planetary nebulae are: they are diffuse, they contribute matter to interstellar space, and they are composed of matter from dying stars.