Astronomy quiz question: x-ray bursts

Astronomy 10 Quiz 10, Spring Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Astronomy 10 learning goal Q10.3

[3.0 points.] Which one of the following choices best explains why an isolated neutron star cannot have repeated x-ray bursts?
(A) There is no companion star to heat up.
(B) There is no companion star to distort spacetime.
(C) It expended all of its extra energy during its type II supernova.
(D) There is no external source of hydrogen.
(E) There is not enough degeneracy pressure.

Correct answer: (D)

If there is no companion star to transfer hydrogen to a neutron star, then the neutron star cannot collect and compact this material onto its surface, making it undergo fusion to produce an x-ray burst.

Student responses
Section 4160
(A) : 7 students
(B) : 1 student
(C) : 10 students
(D) : 16 students
(E) : 0 students

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Astronomy in-class activity: compact objects with companion stars.