What radioactive decay process primarily fuels the consistent light curve decline in a Type Ia supernova over months?
Answer
Radioactive decay of Nickel-56 to Cobalt-56
The light output of a Type Ia event is fueled by the radioactive decay chain starting with Nickel-56, which has a half-life of 6 days before decaying into Cobalt-56, which subsequently decays over 77 days into stable Iron-56.
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