What mechanism powers the extended, long-lasting glow after a Type II supernova reaches its peak brightness?
Answer
Radioactive decay of newly synthesized heavy elements
The protracted light curve, which fades over years, is powered not by the initial mechanical shock but by the radioactive decay chain starting with Nickel-56.
#Videos
How Quickly Does A Supernova Happen? The Stunning Speed of a ...
Related Questions
What is the minimum approximate mass requirement for a star to undergo a core-collapse supernova?What element forms the dense, inert core that triggers gravitational implosion?Why does the iron core lead to catastrophic stellar collapse?How long does the entire core collapse, from loss of support to rebound off the neutron core, take?What approximate speed do infalling materials reach during the core collapse phase?What is the first discernible signal that a core-collapse has occurred?Approximately how long does the shockwave take to propagate through the outer layers to create the visible supernova flash?What mechanism powers the extended, long-lasting glow after a Type II supernova reaches its peak brightness?In which phase are elements heavier than iron, such as gold and uranium, primarily forged?Where does over 99% of a core-collapse event's total energy escape?