An astronomer studies a core-collapse supernova and determines that the remaining collapsing core has a mass of 2.5M⊙2.5 M_{\odot}2.5M⊙ (where M⊙M_{\odot}M⊙ is the solar mass).
Which of the following correctly identifies the final evolutionary state of this core and the primary mechanism supporting it against further gravitational collapse?
A black hole, because the core mass exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit of 1.4M⊙1.4 M_{\odot}1.4M⊙.
A white dwarf, supported by electron degeneracy pressure.
A neutron star, supported by neutron degeneracy pressure.
A neutron star, supported by radiation pressure from ongoing helium fusion.
27 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Physics Beyond Earth. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.