A How Much Mass Is Ejected in Polar Jets?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on quantifying the mass ejected by polar jets from black holes, particularly in quasars and proto-stars. It highlights that the mass of the jets is not solely dependent on the black hole's mass but also on its mass accretion rate and the influence of surrounding magnetic fields. The Blandford-Znajek mechanism is mentioned as a foundational model for understanding jet formation. Additionally, the potential impact of jet mass on galaxy rotation is raised, questioning if such scenarios are common. Overall, there is a call for a deeper quantitative understanding of the mass ejection mechanisms in astrophysical jets.
patellar-myotatic
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I would like a discussion to quantify just how much mass is ejected at the poles (including the mass equivalence of the photons) when jets form. In quasars the black hole presumably reaches over a Billion solar masses, where the mass is proportionate to the mass of the galaxy and is also related to the angular velocity. Is the mass of the jets also related to the mass of the black hole? In more modest conditions, have the jets of forming proto-stars been quantified?
 
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While jets are common in astrophysical objects, I don't think we yet have a quantitative understanding of the mass ejection mechanism. The rate of mass ejection is not simply a function of the mass of the black hole, but depends on the rate at which the black hole is accreting mass. If the black hole is quiescent, meaning that it is not accreting mass, then there are no jets. It is clear that magnetic fields around the black hole also play a significant role. Try looking up the Blandford-Znajek mechanism, which is the starting point for most jet models.
 
Here is a link to a recent paper on understanding the mechanism for the jets.
 
phyzguy said:
While jets are common in astrophysical objects, I don't think we yet have a quantitative understanding of the mass ejection mechanism. The rate of mass ejection is not simply a function of the mass of the black hole, but depends on the rate at which the black hole is accreting mass. If the black hole is quiescent, meaning that it is not accreting mass, then there are no jets. It is clear that magnetic fields around the black hole also play a significant role. Try looking up the Blandford-Znajek mechanism, which is the starting point for most jet models.
Thank you. If the accumulated mass of the quasar jets exceeded the diminished mass of the galaxy, then the rotation of the galaxy would be profoundly affected. I was wondering if this scenario is possible or common.
 
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