What distinct remnant type is the $7.9 M_{\odot}$ star fated to leave compared to the $8.1 M_{\odot}$ star?

Answer

Planetary nebula surrounding a white dwarf

There exists a critical, narrow mass threshold in stellar evolution, situated around $8$ solar masses ($M_{\odot}$), which dictates entirely different final evolutionary paths. A star with an initial mass slightly below this threshold, such as $7.9 M_{\odot}$, will run out of core hydrogen, evolve through the Red Giant Branch phase, ignite helium fusion, and eventually shed its outer layers to form a planetary nebula. The dense core remaining behind will cool slowly as a white dwarf, supported by electron degeneracy pressure. Conversely, a star slightly more massive, like $8.1 M_{\odot}$, possesses enough mass to generate the necessary pressure not only to fuse elements beyond carbon and oxygen but also to initiate silicon burning, leading to an iron core. This results in a catastrophic Type II supernova explosion, leaving behind a remnant supported by nuclear forces, such as a neutron star or black hole, representing a stark divergence in destiny based on a minor difference in initial mass.

$What distinct remnant type is the $7.9 M_{\odot}$ star fated to leave compared to the $8.1 M_{\odot}$ star?$

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