What is the difference between a Type Ia supernova and a Type II-P supernova?

A supernova is a rare and powerful explosion that occurs in the universe when a star reaches the end of its life cycle. There are two main types of supernovae: Type Ia and Type II.

The main difference between Type Ia and Type II supernovae is the presence or absence of hydrogen in the star's outermost layers. Type Ia supernovae occur in binary star systems where one of the stars is a white dwarf. The white dwarf accumulates matter from its companion star until it reaches a critical mass, causing a runaway nuclear fusion reaction that destroys the white dwarf and creates the supernova explosion.

Type II-P supernovae, on the other hand, are massive stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel and can no longer produce heat and pressure to counteract gravity. As the core of the star collapses, the outer layers are blown away in a massive explosion, creating the supernova.

In summary, the key difference between Type Ia and Type II-P supernovae is the presence or absence of hydrogen in the outermost layers of the star. Type Ia supernovae occur in binary star systems, while Type II-P supernovae occur in massive stars that have reached the end of their life cycle.