A white dwarf formed by a supernova, possible?

In summary, when a star goes supernova, the remnant core will typically gravitationally contract into either a neutron star or a black hole. However, there is a possibility that the remaining core may not have enough mass to form these objects and instead contract into a white dwarf. The collapse of the core into neutron-degenerate matter is what causes the supernova, and this process is intrinsic to the explosion.
  • #1
RetardedBastard
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It is my general understanding that once a star goes supernova, the remnant core of the dead star will (always?) gravitationally contract into either a neutron star, or if massive enough, into a black hole.

However, does current observation/model rule out a scenario whereupon a star goes supernova and blows off enough mass that the remaining core does not have sufficient mass to form a neutron star or black hole. Instead the remnant core contracts into a white dwarf?
 
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  • #2
The core wouldn't form a white dwarf because you wouldn't go supernova unless you had already burned all the fussionable fuel and were down to an iron core.
You could possibly strip the atmosphere from a main sequence companion to leave it as a white dwarf.
 
  • #3
If I’m not mistaken, it is the collapse of the core into neutron-degenerate matter (which requires a large star in the region of 8 to 20 solar masses) which causes the supernova. Prior to the supernova, the iron core will probably resemble a white dwarf in size but because the fusion process has ceased due to the fact that iron is the most stable of elements, the outer layers would begin to exert massive pressure on the core and eventually, the electrons which have already filled every quantum state possible, have no where to go but into the protons that make up the iron nuclei (this releases a massive amount of neutrinos which is the calling card of the making of a neutron star). The planet sized core collapses to about 10-12 km in diameter in a fraction of a second. The outer layers then collapse inwards to fill the void, colliding with the surface of the neutron core and an effect akin to a hammer hitting a solid rubber ball takes place: the immediate outer layers recoil and pass through the outer layers of the star with extreme force causing the supernova. I believe the process of the core collapsing into neutron degenerate material is intrinsic with the supernova explosion.
 

1. Is it possible for a white dwarf to be formed by a supernova?

Yes, it is possible for a white dwarf to be formed by a supernova. This occurs when a star with a mass between 8-10 times that of the sun undergoes a supernova explosion, leaving behind a dense core known as a white dwarf.

2. How does a white dwarf form from a supernova?

During a supernova explosion, the outer layers of a star are blown away, leaving behind a core made up of mostly carbon and oxygen. This core is then compressed due to the force of gravity, resulting in a white dwarf.

3. What happens to the remaining material after a white dwarf is formed?

The remaining material from the supernova explosion is either blown away into space or falls back onto the surface of the white dwarf. This material can also undergo nuclear fusion, causing the white dwarf to become a nova or even a Type Ia supernova later on.

4. How long does it take for a white dwarf to form after a supernova?

The formation of a white dwarf can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after a supernova explosion. This process is dependent on the mass and composition of the star that underwent the supernova.

5. Can a white dwarf formed by a supernova turn into a black dwarf?

Yes, a white dwarf formed by a supernova has the potential to eventually become a black dwarf. This process would take billions of years as the white dwarf cools down and loses its heat and energy, resulting in a dark, compact object. However, no black dwarfs have been observed yet as the universe is not old enough for this to occur.

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