Understanding Standing Waves & How They Fit in Black Holes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of standing waves within black holes, specifically addressing the conditions under which these waves can exist and the implications of the event horizon on wave behavior. Participants explore theoretical aspects related to wave equations and boundary conditions in the context of black hole physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the assertion that standing waves exist inside black holes and seeks clarification on what it means for waves to "fit" within them.
  • Another participant suggests that electromagnetic waves, such as photons, cannot escape a black hole due to its gravity, but expresses uncertainty about the concept of fitting waves inside.
  • A participant explains that solutions to differential equations, like the wave equation, depend on boundary conditions, indicating that standing waves are necessary due to the fixed nature of the event horizon.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of standing waves inside black holes, citing the complex geometry and singularity involved.
  • Another participant counters that the black hole has a finite volume where physical laws may still apply, distinguishing between the singularity and the surrounding region where waves might exist.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement. While some accept the idea of standing waves under certain conditions, others challenge the applicability of this concept due to the complexities of black hole geometry and singularities.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations regarding the understanding of boundary conditions and the implications of the event horizon on wave behavior. The discussion does not resolve the complexities surrounding the singularity and its effects on wave dynamics.

ColdFusion85
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I am reading an article on black holes and they state, "Now what kinds of waves are possible inside a black hole? The answer is standing waves, waves that "fit" inside the black hole with a node at the event horizon."

Can anyone explain to me why they know the answer is standing waves, and what do they mean when they say they "fit" inside the black hole??
 
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Hummm I think they mean electromagnetic waves particles such as photons are not able to leave the black hole since even at the speed of light it cannot escape the tremendous gravity. For the fitting, I have at the moment no idea.
 
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Any specific solution to a DE (in this case the wave equation) depends on the boundary conditions.

Since information cannot escape from a black hole, waves themselves may not escape from a black hole. The event horizon (i.e. the boundary of the black hole) must therefore be fixed at zero for all time.

The solution to such problems is a standing wave, as any 'non' standing wave violates this boundary condition.

Claude.
 
That makes things much clearer. Thanks Calude Bile.
 
But surely the geometry inside a black hole is so messed up we can't even think about standing waves within them? The geometry of a singular point with infinite density. Hmmm, nice.
 
The Black Hole is not just a singularity, it is has a finite volume that is the region of space where light cannot escape from its embrace. I see no reason why laws of physics cannot be applied to this space.

The singularity itself is a different matter.

Claude.
 

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