Which term describes very energetic supernovae, sometimes exceeding $10^{45}$ joules in kinetic energy release?
Answer
Hypernova.
A hypernova is a descriptive term applied to certain extreme stellar explosions, usually associated with the core-collapse mechanism, that vastly exceed the energy output of typical supernovae like standard Type Ia or Type II events. While a typical supernova releases around $10^{44}$ joules, a hypernova is characterized by kinetic energy releases that can be ten to one hundred times greater, sometimes exceeding $10^{45}$ joules. These exceptionally powerful outbursts represent the most energetic explosions known to occur during the death of a single star and are often linked to the creation of long-duration gamma-ray bursts.
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