How Did Supernova 1987A Demonstrate That New Elements Are Made

question 45

Multiple Choice

How did Supernova 1987A demonstrate that new elements are made in supernova explosions?

• A) spectra of the supernova light revealed elements that have never been found in Earth or the stars
• B) the neutrinos observed from the supernova could only be produced through radioactive decay of heavy elements
• C) a tank with 8000 tons of pure water under Lake Erie detected gamma rays from new elements
• D) a pulsar with new elements in it was found using radio telescopes in England
• E) the light output was kept at high levels by the energy released from radioactive elements that decay very quickly; these must have been made by the supernova

---

Definitions:

Phenomenological Perspective

A qualitative research approach focusing on individuals' subjective experiences and interpretations of the world around them.

Phenomenology

The study of conscious experience. Often, conscious experience itself is referred to as an individual’s phenomenology.

Personal Construct Theory

A theory in psychology proposed by George Kelly, emphasizing that individuals use personal constructs (mental models) to interpret and predict events in their lives.

George Kelly

An American psychologist known for his theory of personal constructs, which suggests that individuals use personal systems to understand and predict the world.