What process immediately follows the formation of an iron core in a massive star, leading to a Supernova explosion?
Answer
Catastrophic core collapse and rebound shock waves
Once the iron core forms in a massive star, the outward thermal pressure that maintained hydrostatic equilibrium against gravity instantly ceases because iron fusion consumes energy. Gravity then causes the massive core to collapse incredibly fast. This infall material eventually slams into the ultra-dense core remnant, causing it to rebound. This rebound generates powerful outward shock waves that propagate through the star's layers, culminating in the immense, energetic outward blast known as a supernova explosion.
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