Question

The gravitational energy that is released when the core of a massive star collapses is usually?

1) converted into kinetic energy
2) converted into potential energy
3) converted into thermal energy
4) converted into electromagnetic energy

Answer 1

The gravitational energy released during a massive star's core collapse is typically converted into thermal energy through the transformation of potential energy into kinetic and then thermal energy due to particle collisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gravitational energy that is released when the core of a massive star collapses is usually converted into thermal energy. During the collapse, the potential energy of the core's particles is transformed into kinetic energy as they fall inward. When these particles collide, kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy, heating up the core, which can lead to further nuclear reactions if the temperature gets sufficiently high. This transformation of energy is a crucial part of the life cycle of a star and can lead to spectacular events such as supernovae in very massive stars.