Suppose a White Dwarf Is Gaining Mass Because of Accretion

question 39

Multiple Choice

Suppose a white dwarf is gaining mass because of accretion from a binary companion. What happens if its mass reaches the 1.4 solar mass limit?

• A) The white dwarf undergoes a collapse and expels the excess mass in a nova eruption.
• B) The white dwarf (which is made mostly of carbon) suddenly detonates carbon fusion and this creates a white dwarf supernova explosion.
• C) The white dwarf immediately collapses into a black hole, disappearing from view.
• D) A white dwarf can never gain enough mass to reach the limit because a strong stellar wind prevents the accreting material from reaching it in the first place.

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Definitions:

Rationalization

A coping technique where disputable actions or emotions are rationalized in an apparently logical way to evade the actual reason behind them.

Financial Aid

Any form of funding that assists students in paying for their education, typically coming from various sources such as scholarships, grants, and loans.

Defense Mechanism

Mental tactics employed subconsciously to shield an individual from the distress caused by thoughts or emotions that are not acceptable.

Repression

A defense mechanism where uncomfortable thoughts or memories are unconsciously blocked from conscious awareness.