The energy radiated from a typical quasar requires that its black hole accrete about:
A)1 solar mass per 100 years.
B)1 solar mass per 10,000 years.
C)1 Jupiter mass per year.
D)10 solar masses per year.
E)1,000 solar masses per year.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A quasar is a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN) that is powered by the accretion of matter onto a supermassive black hole (SMBH) at the center of the host galaxy. The energy emitted by a quasar is believed to be produced by the frictional heating of the gas falling into the black hole. Based on current observations and theoretical models, it is estimated that a typical quasar would need to accrete around 10 solar masses of material per year in order to radiate the observed amount of energy. Therefore, the best choice is D, which corresponds to 10 solar masses per year.

The Energy Radiated from a Typical Quasar Requires That Its