What type of supernova results from a massive star stripped of both its hydrogen and helium envelopes, possibly becoming a Wolf–Rayet star?
Answer
Type Ib/Ic Supernovae
Supernovae classification depends significantly on the progenitor star's remaining outer layers at the time of collapse. Type II Supernovae are those where hydrogen is still present. Conversely, Type Ib/Ic Supernovae arise from massive stars that have lost their outer layers due to powerful stellar winds or interaction with a binary companion. Specifically, Type Ic supernovae result when the star has been completely stripped of both its hydrogen and helium envelopes, leaving behind a core that was previously a Wolf–Rayet star. The presence or absence of these spectral lines dictates the Ib or Ic categorization.
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