๐Ÿชintro to astronomy review

key term - Accretion disk

Definition

An accretion disk is a rotating disk of gas and dust surrounding a massive central object, such as a black hole. It forms as material spirals inward due to gravitational forces and frictional heating causes it to emit electromagnetic radiation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Accretion disks are often found around black holes, neutron stars, and supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxies.
  2. The intense heat generated by friction within the accretion disk can cause it to shine brightly in X-rays and other wavelengths.
  3. Accretion disks play a key role in the growth of black holes by funneling material into them.
  4. The presence of an accretion disk is one piece of evidence for the existence of black holes.
  5. In active galactic nuclei (AGN) and quasars, the energy emitted from accretion disks can outshine the entire host galaxy.

Review Questions

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