How is a nova similar to a supernova and how is it different from the supernova?

Question

How is a nova similar to a supernova and how is it different from the supernova?

Answer 1

A supernova is a huge expulsion of matter (mainly helium) from a very large star (5-10 solar masses). This happens when the hydrogen fuel for the star runs out.

A nova is quite different, it is the explosion caused when a white dwarf (collapsed intermediate mass star), pulls hydrogen away from another star. This builds up until a critical point, and then it is effectively a nuclear bomb, albeit a very powerful one.

Answer 2

A supernova is a stellar explosion.

A nova is a cataclysmic nuclear explosion caused by the accretion of matter from a star onto the surface of a white dwarf star.  

Answer 3

Nova is Latin meaning new (similar to novel).  A nova is a star that increases its brightness perhaps because it uses up its hydrogen fuel in fusion reactions to create helium and starts burning up helium in fusion reactions to create heavier elements such as carbon.

A supernova is a massive star that burns hotter and uses up its fuel much faster because the temperature and pressure at its center is much greater than ordinary stars.  When most of the fuel is gone the star loses temperature and pressure at its center allowing the mass to collapse toward the center.  The implosion creates such tremendous pressure and temperature at the center that fusion of intermediate weighted atoms can fuse together producing the heaviest elements such as uranium.  This produces so much new energy so suddenly that the star violently explodes with such brilliance that it can be seen within distant galaxies, etc. and is called a supernova (new super-bright star).  The brilliance may last only a relatively short period and is dangerous to any nearby stars (and their planets!).

Answer 4

They are similar in that they are both star explosions. They have differences. Novae happen when a white dwarf accumulates enough additional hydrogen from its surroundings to ignite fusion again. Super novae occur when massive red giants have gone through fusing the fusible fuels, and gravity wins the eternal battle with the other forces.