Question

Current ideas suggest that what is responsible for the observed properties of a quasar is a massive

a.neutron star
b. hole
c. galaxy
d. cluster

Answer 1

Quasars are energetic astronomical objects with the observed properties attributed to the presence of supermassive black holes at their cores. These black holes generate vast amounts of energy as they accrete matter, which is evidenced by the observed accretion disks and jets in active galaxies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Current ideas suggest that the observed properties of a quasar are primarily due to a massive black hole. Quasars are among the most energetic and distant members of a class of objects called active galactic nuclei (AGN). They emit incredible amounts of energy from a very small volume of space. Evidence points towards the existence of supermassive black holes at the cores of many galaxies, including quasars. These black holes, possibly millions to billions of times more massive than our Sun, devour material, which forms a hot accretion disk around them that emits vast amounts of energy.

The phenomenally rapid rotation of these accretion disks, as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope in the galaxy M87, and the presence of jets of material perpendicular to the accretion disks support the black hole model. Furthermore, the energy output of quasars, along with their capacity to affect their host galaxies, suggests an intimate relationship between a galaxy's evolution and its central black hole. Thus, quasars are understood as young galaxies in the early stages of evolution, with active supermassive black holes at their hearts, which are less energetic as the galaxies age.

Answer 2

The observed properties of a quasar are attributed to a supermassive black hole at its core. This black hole is massive, with millions or billions of times the mass of the Sun, and emits vast amounts of energy as material falls into and heats up around the accretion disk, with the correct option being b. hole.

Step-by-step explanation:

The observed properties of a quasar are believed to be the result of a supermassive black hole at its core. This black hole is thought to be millions or billions of times more massive than our Sun and formed at the beginning of the galaxy's life.

Quasars, which are among the youngest and most distant galaxies, emit extraordinary amounts of energy from a very small region; this is typically indicative of a supermassive black hole's accretion disk, where material falls into the black hole. Observations of nearby superactive galaxies and evidence from the Hubble Space Telescope support the existence of such black holes at the centers of galaxies, including potentially our own Milky Way.

The energy output of quasars is produced by material falling into the hot accretion disk around the black hole and being consumed by it. As the material spirals into the black hole, it heats up, emitting vast amounts of radiation in a small volume of space. This phenomenon also results in jets ejecting material perpendicular to the accretion disk. Over billions of years, quasars are thought to become less energetic, coinciding with a decrease in the rate of material falling into the black hole.

Based on this understanding, the correct option in answer to the question 'Current ideas suggest that what is responsible for the observed properties of a quasar is a massive ...?' is option b. hole, specifically a supermassive black hole.