How fast can the core collapse reach during a Type II event?
Answer
Up to $70,000 ext{ km/s}$.
The gravitational collapse of the iron core in a massive star (greater than eight solar masses) proceeds at astonishing velocities once the outward thermal pressure from fusion ceases. Due to the overwhelming force of gravity acting on the compressed matter, the core implodes incredibly rapidly. The text specifies that this inward collapse can reach phenomenal speeds, attaining velocities of up to $70,000 ext{ km/s}$. This extreme compression brings matter to densities rivaling those of an atomic nucleus. Although this initial implosion is momentarily halted by neutron degeneracy pressure, the speed attained during the implosion phase is a defining characteristic of the Type II core-collapse mechanism.
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