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Cataclysmic Variables: Quiz
Cataclysmic Variables Quiz
A classical nova outburst is
[A] The same as a supernova explosion
[B] Nuclear fusion on the white dwarf surface
[C] The death of one of the stars in the system
What causes dwarf nova outbursts in binary systems such as SS Aur and U Gem?
[A] A rotating neutron star
[B] Temporary increases in the rate of accretion from the Sun-like star onto the white dwarf
[C] Temporary increases in the rate of accretion from the white dwarf onto the Sun-like star
Within CVs, accretion is closer to vertical along the magnetic field lines, rather than remaining an accretion disk.
[A] generally emit X-rays more strongly than non-magnetic cataclysmic variables
[B] often have magnetic fields many millions of times stronger than that of the Earth
[C] contain accretion 'columns' and 'curtains'
[D] All of the above
What are super-soft sources?
[A] X-ray emitting objects that are very flexible and often change shape
[B] Celestial sources of low energy (< 0.5 keV) X-rays, probably nuclear-burning white dwarfs.
[C] Cataclysmic variables that were created by a supernova explosion.
