When we see X-rays from an accretion disk in a binary system,we can't immediately tell whether the accretion disk surrounds a neutron star or a black hole.Suppose we then observe each of the following phenomena in this system.Which one would force us to immediately rule out the possibility of a black hole?
A)bright X-ray emission that varies on a time scale of a few hours
B)spectral lines from the companion star that alternately shift to shorter and longer wavelengths
C)sudden,intense X-ray bursts
D)visible and ultraviolet light from the companion star

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sudden, intense X-ray bursts are characteristic of neutron star systems, not black holes. These bursts are thought to result from material suddenly being dumped onto the neutron star's surface, causing a thermonuclear explosion. Black holes, having no solid surface, cannot produce such bursts.

When We See X-Rays from an Accretion Disk in a Binary