Do Tidal Forces in Black Holes Affect Matter at the Quantum Level?

In summary, the conversation discusses the effects of tidal forces on matter approaching the singularity of a black hole and whether gravity would cease to exert its force at the center. The concept of a singularity and its infinite nature is also brought up, with different perspectives on its existence and impact. The conversation ends with the mention of the enigma of quantizing gravity and the need for further understanding in this area.
  • #1
tanzanos
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Theoretically; As any mass approaching the core of a black hole, then would the tidal force difference effect the quantum level and rip apart matter? Also at the very centre of a black hole would gravity cease to exert its force since in any direction the "pull" would be equal?
 
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  • #2
tanzanos said:
Theoretically; As any mass approaching the core of a black hole, then would the tidal force difference effect the quantum level and rip apart matter?

Well, if we assume that a singularity actually exists in the center of a Black Hole, then any composite objects should eventually be ripped apart by tidal forces.

Also at the very centre of a black hole would gravity cease to exert its force since in any direction the "pull" would be equal?

Again, this depends on what is actually inside a black hole. We have no idea what we will find inside one. If a singularity exists then no, you would always be drawn towards the singularity. It's difficult to think in terms of "normal" gravity, as at the extreme scale of a black hole the curvature of spacetime is much harder to talk about as a "force" if my understanding is correct. I would expect that as you get close to the singularity that the curvature becomes so extreme that there aren't even any paths leading away from it anymore! But, as I am not familiar with the math of general relativity and how it applies to black hole singularities, I would take that with a grain of salt.
 
  • #3
Wouldn't it be logical to assume that if the singularity is infinite that it's gravitation attraction would continue regardless of how far matter is pulled in? That it can't have a stationary center because if it did then it wouldn't be infinite?
 
  • #4
Most scientists view singularities as evidence General Relatively ceases to work at extremely small scales, not as physical entities. Quantum Mechancs, on the other hand, works just fine at extremely small scales, but, not so much on large scales. This enigma will persist until we learn how to quantize gravity.
 
  • #5
Brainiac2 said:
Wouldn't it be logical to assume that if the singularity is infinite that it's gravitation attraction would continue regardless of how far matter is pulled in? That it can't have a stationary center because if it did then it wouldn't be infinite?

I don't follow you. Infinite in what aspect? And why would that affect whether its stationary or not? Stationary with respect to what?
 

1. What is a black hole?

A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, including light, can escape from it. This is due to the fact that the black hole has a tremendous amount of mass in a very small space, creating a gravitational force that is extremely powerful.

2. How are black holes formed?

Black holes are formed when a massive star dies and collapses in on itself, causing its core to become incredibly dense and compact. This can also happen when two or more smaller black holes merge together.

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

The event horizon is the point of no return for anything that gets too close to a black hole. Once an object crosses the event horizon, it is pulled into the black hole and can never escape.

4. What is tidal force?

Tidal force is the difference in gravitational pull on different parts of an object. This is most commonly experienced on Earth with the tides caused by the Moon's gravitational pull on our planet.

5. How do tidal forces affect objects near black holes?

As an object gets closer to a black hole, the difference in gravitational pull between the side facing the black hole and the side facing away from it becomes stronger. This difference can be so great that it can stretch and distort the object, a process known as spaghettification.

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