Chapter 33, Problem 6TE

What is relationship between white drawf and nova?

To determine

The relationship between a white dwarf and a nova.

Answer to Problem 6TE

An explosion from the surface of a white dwarf star in a binary star system is known as a nova.

Explanation of Solution

When the stars like the Sun exhaust their nuclear fuel, they emerge into a white dwarf. This stage will be a dense state.

An explosion from the surface of a white dwarf star in a binary star system is known as a nova. A nova occurs if the white dwarf, which is the dense core of a once-normal star, takes gas from its nearby companion star. When sufficient gas forms superimposed the surface of the white dwarf, an explosion occurs. This new system can shine up to a million times brighter than normal. As long as it continues to take gas from its companion star, the white dwarf can produce nova outburst at regular intervals.

Conclusion:

Therefore, an explosion from the surface of a white dwarf star in a binary star system is known as a nova.