As currently understood, the ultimate source for the tremendous energy output of an AGN is: A)nuclear fusion. B)nuclear fission. C)E = mc². D)gravitational potential energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ultimate source for the tremendous energy output of an AGN is gravitational potential energy, which is released as matter falls towards the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, creating accretion disks and powerful jets of energy. This process is known as accretion. Nuclear fusion and fission do not occur in AGNs. The equation E=mc² is a general expression of the relationship between mass and energy, but it does not describe the specific energy output mechanisms of AGNs.

As Currently Understood, the Ultimate Source for the Tremendous Energy