What particle torrent propels and energizes the supernova shockwave during rebound?
Answer
Neutrinos escaping the core
When the imploding core reaches nuclear density, the process of turning protons and electrons into neutrons releases an enormous flood of ghostly subatomic particles called neutrinos. As the outer stellar layers slam into the super-dense, newly formed neutron core, they violently rebound, creating the supernova shockwave. This outward-moving pressure wave is significantly propelled and energized by the immense torrent of these neutrinos escaping the collapsed center, providing the necessary push to blast the star's outer material into space.
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