Why Are Black Holes Considered Bottomless Pits in Space-Time?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the conceptual understanding of black holes, specifically addressing the characterization of black holes as "bottomless pits" in the context of space-time and singularity density.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of black holes and the implications of infinite density. Questions arise regarding the meaning of density and whether a black hole must necessarily be considered bottomless. There is also a discussion about the relationship between mass, volume, and density in the context of black holes.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants questioning definitions and assumptions about black holes. Some guidance is offered regarding the nature of escape velocity and the conditions that define a black hole, but no consensus has been reached on the characterization of density.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of black hole definitions and the nature of singularities, indicating a need for clarity on these concepts. There is an acknowledgment of potential misunderstandings regarding the relationship between mass, volume, and density in this context.

photon
Messages
125
Reaction score
0
Why is it said that a black hole is a literally bottemless pit in space-time? If it weren't bottemless, then the singularity inside would not have to be of infinite density.

I'm not sure if I have missed anything important, so PLEASE help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, but a black hole is, by definition, of infinite density.\\


Well, the way you are putting it, that's true. In general, a black hole only has to be massive enough that light cannot escape it. (It's "escape velocity" is greater than the speed of light.)

A large (in volume) black hole would not have to have infinite density and would not be "a literally bottemless pit in space-time".
 
What do you mean by "density" ?
Huh ?
mass/volume ?
mass=finite
volume<>0...(the radius of the horizon is not 0...)
so density is not infinite...or am I wrong ?
 
I think he was talking about the singularity's density.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
7K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K