A massive star with an initial main-sequence mass of 18 M⊙18\text{ M}_{\odot}18 M⊙ ends its life in a core-collapse supernova. The remaining degenerate core left behind has a mass of 2.2 M⊙2.2\text{ M}_{\odot}2.2 M⊙.
Which of the following describes the most likely final state of this core and the correct physical justification?
A white dwarf, because the core mass is below the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit.
A neutron star, because the core mass exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit but is below the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit.
A black hole, because the initial mass of the star was high enough to overcome neutron degeneracy pressure.
A black hole, because the core mass exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit.
42 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 7.3 Stars. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.