When they merge, black holes release a burst of gravitational waves. What is the energy source for these waves?
A) Hawking radiation
B) the accompanying supernova
C) the black hole orbits
D) the accretion disk

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy source for the gravitational waves released when black holes merge comes from the energy of their orbits. As the black holes spiral closer together, they lose energy in the form of gravitational waves, until they finally merge.

When They Merge, Black Holes Release a Burst of Gravitational