Abstract
Pair-instability (PI) is expected to open a gap in the mass spectrum of black holes (BHs) between ≈40 − 65 M⊙ and ≈120 M⊙. The existence of the mass gap is currently being challenged by the detection of GW190521, with a primary component mass of $85^{+21}_{-14}$ M⊙. Here, we investigate the main uncertainties on the PI mass gap: the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate and the H-rich envelope collapse. With the standard 12C(α, γ)16O rate, the lower edge of the mass gap can be 70 M⊙ if we allow for the collapse of the residual H-rich envelope at metallicity Z ≤ 0.0003. Adopting the uncertainties given by the starlib database, for models computed with the 12C(α, γ)16O rate −1 σ, we find that the PI mass gap ranges between ≈80 M⊙ and ≈150 M⊙. Stars with MZAMS > 110 M⊙ may experience a deep dredge-up episode during the core helium-burning phase, that extracts matter from the core enriching the envelope. As a consequence of the He-core mass reduction, a star with MZAMS = 160 M⊙ may avoid the PI and produce a BH of 150 M⊙. In the −2 σ case, the PI mass gap ranges from 92 M⊙ to 110 M⊙. Finally, in models computed with 12C(α, γ)16O −3 σ, the mass gap is completely removed by the dredge-up effect. The onset of this dredge-up is particularly sensitive to the assumed model for convection and mixing. The combined effect of H-rich envelope collapse and low 12C(α, γ)16O rate can lead to the formation of BHs with masses consistent with the primary component of GW190521.
The Impact of Handbooks on the Concept Understanding and Learning Interests of Students on the Concept of Reaction Rate