Matter in an accretion disk is in orbit around a black hole, but friction within the disk causes the matter to gradually spiral into the black hole. What will change in terms of the observable properties of the black hole as this process continues?
A) Only the mass will increase.
B) The mass, the angular momentum, and the rate of evaporation of the black hole will increase.
C) Nothing will change.
D) Both the mass and the angular momentum of the black hole will increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As matter from the accretion disk spirals into a black hole, both the mass and the angular momentum of the black hole increase. This is because the matter falling into the black hole contributes both mass and angular momentum to the black hole.

Matter in an Accretion Disk Is in Orbit Around a Black