X-ray bursters occur in binary star systems. The two types of stars that must be present tomake up such an object are:
A)a white dwarf and a neutron star.
B)a contact binary system of two red giants.
C)a white dwarf and a main sequence star.
D)a main sequence or giant star and a neutron star in a mass transfer binary.
E)two neutron stars in a mass transfer binary.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

X-ray bursters occur in binary star systems where there is a mass transfer from a main sequence or giant star onto a neutron star. This transfer of material onto the neutron star leads to runaway nuclear fusion reactions that produce intense bursts of X-rays. X-ray bursters occur in binary star systems where one star is a main sequence or giant star and the other is a neutron star in a mass transfer binary. As material from the main sequence or giant star is accreted onto the neutron star, it can form a thick layer that undergoes a thermonuclear explosion, creating the X-ray burst.

X-Ray Bursters Occur in Binary Star Systems