A white dwarf is in a binary system with a red giant with five times the mass of the Sun.This system could result in a:
A) gamma-ray burst.
B) Type II supernova.
C) Type Ia supernova.
D) none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of a white dwarf in a binary system with a red giant could lead to a Type Ia supernova. As the white dwarf orbits the red giant, it could accrete material from its companion star. If the white dwarf accretes enough material, it could reach a critical mass and explode as a Type Ia supernova.

A White Dwarf Is in a Binary System with a Red