What is the defining difference in mechanism between a Type Ia supernova and a Type II supernova?

Answer

Type Ia involves the complete detonation of a white dwarf, while Type II results from core collapse of a massive star

Type Ia supernovae occur when a white dwarf accumulates too much mass and detonates entirely, leaving no remnant. Type II supernovae occur when a massive star exhausts its fuel, causing its core to collapse.

What is the defining difference in mechanism between a Type Ia supernova and a Type II supernova?

#Videos

Hypernova: The Bigger, Badder Supernova. - YouTube

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