What mass threshold causes a white dwarf in a binary system to create a Type Ia supernova?
Answer
Approaching the Chandrasekhar limit (1.4 solar masses).
A Type Ia supernova originates specifically from a white dwarf star in a binary pairing that is gradually stealing mass from its companion. As this white dwarf accumulates matter, its internal pressure and density increase until it reaches a critical mass benchmark known as the Chandrasekhar limit, which is calculated to be approximately 1.4 times the mass of the Sun. Upon reaching this instability point, the degenerate core can no longer support itself against gravity, triggering an uncontrolled, runaway thermonuclear reaction that results in the complete explosive disintegration of the star, releasing tremendous energy.
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