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Chapter 25: Problem 22

Explain how the rotation curve of a galactic nucleus can help determine whether a supermassive black hole is present.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The rotation curve of a galactic nucleus showing an unusually steep rise at the center suggests presence of a supermassive black hole due to its influence on gravitational forces and thus, orbital velocities of stars and gas.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Rotation Curves

In astrophysics, rotation curves are used to represent the orbital speeds of visible stars or gas in a galaxy as a function of their radial distance from the galactic centre. In a typical galaxy, the rotation curve rises steeply at the center and then tapers off at a more or less constant speed further out.
02

Characteristics of a Supermassive Black Hole

Supermassive black holes often reside at centers of galaxies and have remarkably high gravitational influences. They exert strong gravitational forces, causing nearby stars to increase their orbital speeds.
03

Impact on Rotation Curve

If a supermassive black hole is present, the gravitational forces exerted by the black hole would pull the surrounding stars and gas with greater force. This increase in gravitational pull leads to increased orbital speeds of these celestial objects, even at the center of the galaxy.
04

Analyzing the Rotation Curve

In presence of a supermassive black hole, the rotation curve is expected to show these high velocities at the center, implying a steep rise in the curve at the nucleus. This change in rotation curve is a hint towards presence of a supermassive black hole.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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