Gravity and Black Holes: Exploring the Paradox of Einstein's Relativity

In summary, Einstein's theory of relativity explains that gravity travels at the speed of light. However, this raises the question of how a black hole, with its strong gravitational field, can exist if gravity moves at the speed of light. Joel was provided with a reference that discusses this concept, and they found it interesting that the idea of gravity being a "force" was challenged.
  • #1
joeljen
9
0
Einstein’s relativity states that gravity propagates at the speed of light.
How can a black hole have a gravitational field when gravity propagates at the speed of light?
Joel
joeljen@comcast.net
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #3
Janus
Wow! thanks for the insight and reference, and wonderful quotes.
I thought it was of particular interest that the phrase "Once formed, they and their gravity just are." was used. ?
No gravitons would be available, if gravity was not a force; but the effect was from another (non-force) cause.
thanks again
joel
 

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 extreme mass of the black hole being packed into a very small space.

2. How are black holes formed?

Black holes are formed from the collapse of a massive star. When a star runs out of fuel, it can no longer produce enough energy to counteract the force of gravity, causing it to collapse in on itself and form a black hole.

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

The event horizon is the boundary of a black hole where the gravitational pull becomes so strong that even light cannot escape. This is the point of no return for anything that enters a black hole.

4. How does gravity work in the presence of a black hole?

Gravity around a black hole is extremely strong due to the massive amount of matter packed into a small space. As an object gets closer to a black hole, the gravitational force becomes stronger, eventually reaching a point where the object is pulled in and cannot escape.

5. Can anything escape from a black hole?

No, nothing can escape from a black hole once it has passed the event horizon. This is because the escape velocity, or the speed needed to escape the gravitational pull, exceeds the speed of light. However, some particles and radiation can be emitted from the black hole's event horizon in a process known as Hawking radiation.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
840
  • Cosmology
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
452
Replies
1
Views
910
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
36
Views
3K
Replies
24
Views
2K
Back
Top