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Question 19M.3.HL.TZ1.a.i

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 19M.3.HL.TZ1.a.i
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ1
Command term Describe Question number a.i Adapted from N/A
a.i.
[Maximum mark: 2]
19M.3.HL.TZ1.a.i

Describe the mechanism of formation of type I a supernovae.

[2]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1
a white dwarf star in a binary system accretes mass from the companion star ✔

when the white dwarf star mass reaches the Chandrasekhar limit the star explodes «due to fusion reactions»✔

ALTERNATIVE 2
it can be formed in the collision of two white dwarf stars ✔

where shock waves from the collision rip both stars apart ✔

Examiners report

Supernova. The mechanism of the formation of supernovae Ia was well described by many candidates.

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