You observe a 0.8 M_SUNwhite dwarf in a binary orbit around a main-sequence star of mass 1.4 M_SUN.Which of the following is most likely the original mass of the star that became the white dwarf? A) 0.5 M_SUN B) 1 M_SUN C) 0.8 M_SUN D) 1.4 M_SUN E) 3 M_SUN

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The original mass of the star that became the white dwarf was likely greater than 1.4 M_SUN because stars lose mass during their evolution, especially when they become red giants and shed their outer layers. A star with an initial mass of around 3 M_SUN could evolve into a white dwarf of 0.8 M_SUN.

You Observe a 0