Chapter 33, Problem 6Q

To determine

To explain: The reason for ending up of some stars as white dwarfs while other stars as neutrons stars or black holes.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Initial mass of a star determines the density of the star as well as its structure and absolute luminosity.

If, after the red giant stage of a star’s life, its mass is less than 1.4 solar mass, then it shrinks due to gravity and cools down eventually to form a white dwarf. If its density varies in between 1.4-3 solar mass, then it condenses down to a neutron star, which afterward explodes as a supernova and becomes a white dwarf.

Now, if star density increases more than 3 solar mass, then it collapse down more than the neutron star and become a black hole which absorbs everything even light inside the event horizon.

Conclusion:

Thus, with the increasing mass of the star, its temperature and density varies, and due to which its star formation happens.