Author Question: How do quasars produce so much energy in such a small volume? What will be an ideal ... (Read 53 times)

Pineapplelove6 · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

How do quasars produce so much energy in such a small volume?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Stars within an emission nebula, such as M42, are considered Population I stars.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

maaaaaaaaaa · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

As matter falls toward the central black hole, gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy of motion. The conservation of angular momentum spins this material into an accretion disk in which kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy by the action friction as the gas flows. This heats the gas in the accretion disk to very high temperatures, and it radiates over a broad range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. The ultimate conversion efficiency of gravitation potential energy into thermal energy can be quite high (10-40 of the rest energy of the matter, as compared to less than 1 for ordinary hydrogen fusion) so very large luminosities can be generated without requiring tremendous amounts of matter.

Answer to Question 2

TRUE