The energy from an AGN is produced by
A)the collision of two spiral galaxies.
B)the collision of two elliptical galaxies.
C)the collision of two radio jets.
D)matter flowing into a supermassive black hole.
E)supernovae.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy from an AGN (active galactic nucleus) is produced by matter flowing into a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy. As the matter enters the black hole, it heats up and emits a tremendous amount of radiation and energy, which powers the AGN. The other answer choices are not correct because spiral galaxies and elliptical galaxies do not necessarily collide to create an AGN, radio jets are a result of the AGN rather than the cause, and supernovae do not produce enough energy to power an AGN.

The Energy from an AGN Is Produced by