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Chapter 7: Problem 22

What is an accretion disk?

Short Answer

Expert verified
An accretion disk is a flattened, disk-like structure composed of matter spiraling inward towards a massive object due to gravitational forces.

Step by step solution

01

Define accretion

Accretion is the process by which matter is pulled in by the gravitational force of a massive object. This matter can come from various sources such as interstellar gas, dust, or even nearby stars.
02

Explain the formation of the disk

As matter moves closer to the massive object, it starts to spiral inward due to angular momentum conservation. This spiraling motion causes the matter to flatten into a disk-like shape.
03

Describe the accretion disk

An accretion disk is the structure that forms around a massive object due to the accretion process. It is made up of matter that orbits the object and gradually spirals inward, eventually being absorbed by the massive object.
04

Describe locations where accretion disks are found

Accretion disks are commonly found around various astronomical objects like black holes, neutron stars, and young stars. They play a crucial role in the growth and evolution of these objects by supplying them with matter.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

gravitational force
Gravitational force is a fundamental force of nature that pulls two objects with mass toward each other. It is the reason we stay grounded on Earth and why planets orbit stars. The strength of gravity depends on the masses of the objects and the distance between them. Isaac Newton formulated the law of universal gravitation as:
angular momentum conservation
Angular momentum conservation is a principle stating that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant if no external torque acts on it. Angular momentum is the rotational equivalent of linear momentum. For example, when a figure skater pulls their arms in, they spin faster because their angular momentum is conserved.
astronomical objects
Astronomical objects are celestial entities that exist in space, ranging from small asteroids to massive stars and galaxies. Some of the most well-known astronomical objects include:

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the source of the material that now makes up the Sun and the rest of the Solar System?

Why were the four giant planets able to collect massive gaseous atmospheres, whereas the terrestrial planets could not? Explain the source of the secondary atmospheres surrounding the terrestrial planets.

The Process of Science Figure in this chapter makes the point that different areas of science must agree with one another. Suppose that a handful of new exoplanets are discovered that appear not to have formed from the collapse of a stellar nebula (for example, the planetary orbits might be in random orientations). What will scientists do with this new information?

The transit method preferentially detects a. large planets close to the central star. b. small planets close to the central star. c. large planets far from the central star. d. small planets far from the central star. e. the method detects all of these equally well

Place the following events in the order that corresponds to the formation of a planetary system. a. Gravity collapses a cloud of interstellar gas. b. A rotating disk forms. c. Small bodies collide to form larger bodies. d. A stellar wind "turns on" and sweeps away gas and dust. e. Primary atmospheres form. f. Primary atmospheres are lost. g. Secondary atmospheres form. h. Dust grains stick together by static electricity.
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