Which of these characteristics of a star make it most likely to become a black hole? Select the two correct answers.(1 point)

Question

Responses

It has an abundant supply of hydrogen.
It has an abundant supply of hydrogen.

Its mass is equal to that of the sun.
Its mass is equal to that of the sun.

Its mass is greater than 20 times the mass of the sun.
Its mass is greater than 20 times the mass of the sun.

It is dying.

Answer 1

The two characteristics of a star that make it most likely to become a black hole are:

1. Its mass is greater than 20 times the mass of the sun.
2. It is dying.

Stars with significantly greater mass than the sun (typically more than about 20 solar masses) have the potential to undergo supernova explosions, which can lead to the formation of black holes. Additionally, a dying star (specifically, a massive one at the end of its lifecycle) will go through the processes necessary for this transformation.