space hard MCQ

Pair-instability supernovae occur in very massive stars (140-260 solar masses) where gamma rays create electron-positron pairs reducing _______.

  1. Opacity
  2. Radiation pressure support
  3. Nuclear fuel
  4. Rotation rate

Answer: Radiation pressure support

Pair production reduces photon pressure triggering catastrophic core contraction/explosion completely disrupting star; leaves no remnant unlike core-collapse SN.

Topic Astronomy - Stellar Evolution
Exam Relevance UPSC Prelims, General Science
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