What is the fundamental factor determining whether the final remnant is a neutron star or a black hole?

Answer

The initial mass of the star's core after the supernova shock wave has passed.

The ultimate fate is fundamentally tied to the mass of the core remnant remaining after the outer layers have been blown away; exceeding the upper threshold for neutron degeneracy pressure results in a black hole.

What is the fundamental factor determining whether the final remnant is a neutron star or a black hole?

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