Why doesnt a photon escape from a black hole?

In summary, the conversation discusses the trajectory of a photon inside the Schwarzschild radius and why it cannot be seen by a distant observer. The equation for the photon's trajectory is given, and the concept of angular momentum is introduced. The question of whether the expression for the photon's trajectory becomes imaginary when r < a is raised, and it is suggested to refer to Dirac's argument in his GR book for further explanation.
  • #1
stunner5000pt
1,461
2
Explain why elight emitted at a point inside the Scwarzschild radius (r<a) cannot be seen by a distant observer. (by one at r-> infinity)
well we know the trajectory of a photon is given by


[tex] \dot{r}^2 = c^2 \lambda^2 - \left( 1 - \frac{a}{r}\right) \frac{J^2}{r^2} [/tex]

where J repsents the angular momentum in units of mass
lambda is [tex] \lambda = \dot{t} \left( 1 - \frac{a}{r} \right) [/tex]

so when r < a does the expression for r dot become imaginary? Is that what i am aiming to prove?
 
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  • #2
See the argument given by Dirac in its GR book when discussing black holes.

Daniel.
 

1. Why doesn't a photon escape from a black hole?

A photon, or a particle of light, cannot escape from a black hole because of the immense gravitational pull of the black hole. The gravity of a black hole is so strong that it warps the fabric of space-time, creating a one-way path towards the center of the black hole. As a result, any object, including a photon, that enters the event horizon of a black hole is unable to escape.

2. What is the event horizon of a black hole?

The event horizon is the point of no return for a black hole. It is the boundary surrounding the black hole where the escape velocity (the speed required to escape the gravitational pull) exceeds the speed of light. Once an object crosses the event horizon, it is unable to escape the black hole's gravitational pull.

3. Can anything escape from a black hole?

No, nothing can escape from a black hole. The strong gravitational pull of a black hole prevents any form of matter or energy from escaping, including light, which is why a black hole appears black. The only way for an object to escape a black hole is if it travels faster than the speed of light, which is currently not possible according to the laws of physics.

4. Why do some black holes have jets of energy coming out of them?

Some black holes, known as active galactic nuclei, have powerful jets of energy shooting out from their poles. These jets are created by the intense magnetic fields near the black hole's event horizon. As matter falls into the black hole, some of it gets accelerated and shot out in these jets at nearly the speed of light.

5. Can a black hole eventually evaporate or disappear?

According to the current understanding of physics, black holes do not disappear or evaporate. However, they can lose mass and eventually "evaporate" through a process called Hawking radiation, where pairs of particles and antiparticles are created at the event horizon. One particle is pulled into the black hole, while the other escapes. This process slowly reduces the mass of the black hole over time, but it would take an incredibly long time for a black hole to completely disappear in this way.

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