The opening illustration of Chapter 21 of Universe, 11th ed., depicts a rotating black hole with an accretion disk. Magnetic field lines connect the black hole with the disk. What, if anything, can be transferred between the rotating black hole and its accretion disk?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The black hole can transfer rotational energy and angular momentum to the accretion disk. As matter falls toward the black hole, it gains speed and angular momentum, which can be transferred to the disk due to friction and magnetic fields. In this process, the rotational energy of the black hole decreases while the disk's rotational energy and angular momentum increase. However, particles and energy can also be transferred from the disk to the black hole, so option A is incorrect. Option B is too broad and does not specifically address the transfer of rotational energy and angular momentum. Option D is incorrect because we know that matter is able to fall onto the black hole and form the accretion disk in the first place.

The Opening Illustration of Chapter 21 of Universe, 11th Ed