How much greater is the energy released by a Supernova compared to a Classical Nova?
Answer
By a factor of at least 10,000
There is a vast chasm in energy release between a classical nova and a supernova. A classical nova, stemming from surface hydrogen fusion on a white dwarf in a binary system, releases energy equivalent to perhaps 10,000 to 100,000 times the energy the Sun emits over an entire year. In contrast, supernovae involve the total destruction or complete core collapse of a star, making them intrinsically more violent. This difference means that a supernova releases energy that is greater by a minimum factor of 10,000 when compared directly to the energy yield of a classical nova event.
Related Questions
What mass threshold triggers runaway fusion in a Type Ia supernova?What is the minimum progenitor mass believed to result in a Hypernova?Which elements are primarily formed during the rapid neutron capture in a Kilonova?What remnant is theorized to be formed directly from the collapse powering a Hypernova?How much brighter is a Hypernova compared to a typical Supernova?How much greater is the energy released by a Supernova compared to a Classical Nova?Why does saturation of a massive star's core with iron guarantee gravitational collapse?What highly focused danger accompanies the Black Hole formation in a Hypernova event?Given its mass of 14 solar masses, what is Betelgeuse expected to produce?What is the estimated distance threshold within which a supernova poses a significant ozone depletion risk to Earth?