20091103

Astronomy quiz question: type Ia supernova binary system

Astronomy 210 Quiz 5, Fall Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

A white dwarf requires a __________ companion in order to have a type Ia supernova explosion.
(A) giant.
(B) white dwarf.
(C) neutron star.
(D) black hole.

Correct answer: (A)

A white dwarf needs additional hydrogen in order to undergo either nova or type Ia supernova explosions, of which can only be contributed from a giant companion from the above choices.

Section 70158
(A) : 24 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 13 students
(D) : 2 students

Success level: 60% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.69

Section 70160
(A) : 24 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 13 students
(D) : 0 students

Success level: 64% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.59

1 comment:

Patrick M. Len said...

Now, why did so many students pick a neutron star as the white dwarf binary companion for a type Ia supernova explosion?