Two massive stars undergo supernova explosions. Star P initially has more mass than star Q, but P loses more mass before its core collapses. A student claims that P must leave a black hole and Q must leave a neutron star. Which statement gives the best assessment?
The claim is justified because initial mass alone fixes the final remnant.
The claim is unjustified because the remaining core masses are also needed.
The claim is justified because greater mass loss always produces a black hole.
The claim is unjustified because all supernovae produce the same remnant.
75 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 7.3 Stars, covering 7.3.1 Evolution of stars similar to the Sun, 7.3.2 Evolution of massive stars, and 7.3.3 Observing the Universe. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.