Supernova Explosion Shock Waves

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Download our mobile app to listen on the go

Get App

Questions and Answers

What are the shock waves that move away from a supernova explosion called?

Back shock waves
Front shock waves (correct)
Reverse shock waves
Inner shock waves

Reverse shock waves travel away from the center of the explosion.

False (B)

What happens to the gas in the surrounding space when a supernova explodes?

It is heated to a very high temperature.

Supernova explosions drag along material from the exploding star itself, especially its ______.

<p>outer layers</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms related to supernova explosions with their descriptions:

<p>Shock waves = Energy-carrying waves from the explosion Interstellar medium = The gas and dust between stars Explosion center = The point where the explosion initiates Temperature = High heat reached after the explosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Front Shock Waves

Powerful waves of energy released when a supernova explodes, pushing outwards into the surrounding space.

Reverse Shock Waves

Waves of energy from a supernova explosion that travel back towards the center of the explosion.

Interstellar Medium

The space between stars that contains gas and dust.

Material Drag

The process where the expanding outer layers of a supernova pull in material from the exploded star.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Supernova Heating

When a supernova explodes, the shock waves heat up the gas in the interstellar medium to extremely high temperatures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Supernova Explosion Shock Waves

Supernova explosions generate powerful shock waves that move outward into the interstellar medium (front shock waves).
These shock waves carry considerable energy, significantly heating the surrounding gas.
Shock waves also travel inward towards the explosion's center (reverse shock waves).
The rapid expansion of the supernova's outer layers carries material from the exploding star.