Supernova
Contents
Key Stage 4
An artist's impression of a supernova.
Meaning
A supernova is the explosion of a red super giant which happens when it has run out of Helium to fuse.
About Supernovae
- When a massive star runs out of Helium to fuse the core collapses rapidly. Eventually the elements collide with one another and rebound outwards into an explosion known as a supernova which can be brighter than all the other stars in a galaxy put together.
- The supernova will leave behind a core which is either a neutron star or a black hole depending on its mass. The greater mass becomes a black hole.
Beyond the Curriculum
References
AQA
- Supernova, pages 285, 287, 291, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Supernovae, page 319, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA
- Supernovae, pages 100, 102, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Supernovae, pages 234-235, 241, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Supernovae, pages 252, 253, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA