The temperature gradient in accretion disks surrounding protostars is due in part to the fact that material closer to the protostar has converted less of its kinetic energy into thermal energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The temperature gradient in accretion disks is due to material closer to the protostar converting more of its gravitational potential energy into thermal energy, resulting in higher temperatures near the protostar.

The Temperature Gradient in Accretion Disks Surrounding Protostars Is Due