The authors use an approximate analytic theory of a thick accretion disk to derive the thermodynamic conditions which prevail inside the disk as a function of the black hole mass, the viscosity parameter, and the accretion rate. From these thermodynamic conditions it is shown that, for a given mechanism for viscosity, the nuclear burning is substantially greater when the central black hole is less massive. The authors also perform a preliminary analysis of the main nuclear processes which can...| ADS
June 24 is Fred Hoyle’s birthday. Hoyle was a well-known British astronomer who was the first to outline the creation of elements within stars. Hoyle’s work on nucleosynthesis showed how elements greater than helium could be formed through fusion reactions within stars. His first paper showed the core temperature of stars could evolve hot enough to […]| Science Notes and Projects
Get the spontaneous fission definition and examples and learn how it differs from induced fission in physics.| Science Notes and Projects
Get promethium facts. Discover the history, properties, uses, and sources of the element with symbol Pm and atomic number 61.| Science Notes and Projects
Learn about the Oddo-Harkins rule. Get its definition and learn why the universe prefers elements with even atomic numbers.| Science Notes and Projects
Learn about cosmic rays in physics and cosmology. Get the definition, learn about particle showers, and see whether cosmic rays are dangerous.| Science Notes and Projects
Learn what nucleons are in chemistry and physics. See how nucleons relate to the mass number and atomic mass of atoms.| Science Notes and Projects
Learn about nuclear fusion. Get the definition and examples of both natural fusion in stars and artificial fusion for weapons and energy.| Science Notes and Projects
Learn what a nova is. Get facts about novae and supernovae, including how they form, the difference between them, and famous examples.| Science Notes and Projects