Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Investigating The Formation Of Extra-Galactic Radio Jets, Casey R. Watson

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Jets of collimated particles are among the most intriguing characteristics of active galactic nuclei. In this paper two models of particle interactions in active galactic nuclei are used to explore a possible initial acceleration mechanism of the jets: charge separation. Model I ignores the effects of both collisions and electromagnetic forces and does not predict charge separation. Model II incorporates collisions and electromagnetic interactions, and, although it too predicts no charge separation, it provides a more physically sound model of active nucleus than does Model I.