What happens when objects reach the event horizon?

Thread starter physicsnoob12
Start date Dec 18, 2010
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Event horizon Horizon

In summary, an event horizon is a theoretical boundary surrounding a black hole, beyond which nothing can escape. When objects reach the event horizon, they are pulled into the black hole and stretched due to its strong gravitational force. The event horizon is directly related to the size of a black hole, with larger mass resulting in a larger event horizon. There is a difference between the event horizon of a black hole and a wormhole, as the former is a one-way street while the latter allows for two-way travel.

Dec 18, 2010

physicsnoob12

does anyone actually know what happens when something reaches the event horizon?

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Dec 18, 2010

tom.stoer

Science Advisor

Nothig happens at the event horizon. You can cross an horizon w/o feeling anything special.

1. What is an event horizon?

An event horizon is a theoretical boundary surrounding a black hole, beyond which no light or matter can escape. It is the point of no return for objects entering a black hole.

2. What happens to objects when they reach the event horizon?

When objects reach the event horizon, they are pulled into the black hole by its immense gravitational force. They are also stretched and distorted due to the strong gravitational pull, a process known as spaghettification.

3. Can anything escape from the event horizon?

No, nothing can escape from the event horizon once it has crossed the boundary. This includes light, which is why black holes are completely dark and invisible.

4. How is the event horizon related to the size of a black hole?

The size of a black hole's event horizon is directly related to its mass. The larger the mass of a black hole, the larger its event horizon will be.

5. Is there a difference between the event horizon of a black hole and a wormhole?

Yes, while both have an event horizon, a black hole's event horizon is a one-way street. Anything that enters the event horizon will be pulled into the black hole. A wormhole's event horizon, on the other hand, allows for two-way travel between two points in space-time.