Black Hole Mass Accretion Temperature

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the temperature of material accreting into a black hole, emphasizing the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy. The relationship between kinetic energy and temperature is explored, specifically the equation 1/2m(v)^2 = 3/2kT, which connects the two concepts. Participants suggest that Boltzmann's law may be more suitable for this calculation. Additionally, once the temperature is determined, Wien's law can be applied to find the peak wavelength of the emitted radiation. The conversation highlights the interplay between kinetic energy, temperature, and blackbody radiation in the context of black hole accretion.
purple_wave
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Hey everyone,
I have a quick question. I have to find out how hot a cloud of material falling into a black hole would become. I have a hint that it is due to the gain in kinetic energy the material experiences as it falls in, but I'm not sure how to relate the two. Also, I have to find the peak wavelength that would radiate if the material emitted as a blackbody, but I'm assuming I can just use Wein's law once I know the temperature.
Thanks!
 
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I just thought of something,
could I use the relationship 1/2m(v)^2 = 3/2kT to find the temperature from the kinetic energy?
 
Boltzman's law appears more appropriate.
 

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