National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Imagine the Universe!
Home
Science
Astronomer's Toolbox
Cosmic Objects
Big Questions
Featured Science
Observatories
Special Exhibits
Scientist Profiles
You Be the Astrophysicist
The Cosmic Distance Scale
Educators' Corner
Lesson Plans
Materials
Programs
Ask an Astrophysicist
Resources
Other Resources
Dictionary
Search
Astronomer's Toolbox
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 onto the white dwarf
[C] Temporary increases in the rate of accretion from the white dwarf onto the Sun-like star
In magnetic CVs, accretion is closer to vertical along the magnetic field lines, rather than remaining an accretion disk. Which of the following is true about magnetic CVs?
[A] They generally emit X-rays more strongly than non-magnetic CVs
[B] They often have magnetic fields many millions of times stronger than that of the Earth
[C] They 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.
