Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the mass-energy re-radiation of objects that enter a black hole's accretion disk, specifically focusing on the percentage of mass that is re-radiated as accretion disk radiation and polar jet radiation before reaching the event horizon. The scope includes theoretical considerations and estimates related to black hole accretion processes.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about the percentage of mass re-radiated as accretion disk and polar jet radiation before reaching the event horizon.
- Another participant references a paper discussing black hole accretion disk theory, noting that while the general theory is established, many details remain complex and not fully understood.
- Some participants express uncertainty about the exact percentages of mass that are converted to energy, with one suggesting that estimates could range from 0.001% to 50%.
- There is mention of the luminosity of quasars being linked to gas accretion by supermassive black holes, with a claim that this process can convert about 10% of mass into energy, contrasting it with nuclear fusion processes.
- Participants discuss whether the estimated percentages for accretion disk radiation and relativistic jets might be similar, with one suggesting 10% for both, though this remains uncertain.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact percentages of mass re-radiated, and multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the specifics of black hole accretion processes.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the lack of authoritative answers and the complexity of the underlying physics, which may depend on specific conditions and definitions that are not fully resolved.