What fundamental physical process characterizes a nova outburst?
Answer
A thermonuclear runaway reaction occurring on the surface of one component.
A nova is driven by a thermonuclear runaway reaction that ignites the accumulated surface layer of fresh fuel on the white dwarf, rather than the destruction of the entire star.
#Videos
Once-in-a-Lifetime Nova Outburst 3,000 Light Years Away Will Make ...
Related Questions
What fundamental physical process characterizes a nova outburst?What two stellar objects inherently make up a system capable of producing a nova?What specific characteristic of the white dwarf's gravity drives the nova cycle?What causes the thermonuclear runaway ignition during a nova event?How does the fate of the white dwarf differ between a nova and a Type Ia supernova?When does a white dwarf trigger a Type Ia supernova instead of a nova?What property allows astronomers to potentially use classical novae to measure distances across the Milky Way?What speeds can the ejected shell of gas reach shortly after a nova eruption?What elements, heavier than hydrogen and helium, are synthesized or revealed in the ejected material from a nova?What phenomenon causes the fusion to proceed unstably during the nova event?What characteristic distinguishes a recurrent nova system from a classical nova system in terms of eruption frequency?What classification does the erupting system *T Coronae Borealis* (T CrB) belong to?