Questions About Event Horizon, Singularity & Schwarzchild Radius

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In summary, the conversation discussed the terms event horizon, singularity, and Schwarzschild radius, all of which are related to black holes. The Schwarzschild radius is the radius an object must have to become a black hole, while the event horizon is the point of no return for any object falling into a black hole. The singularity refers to the infinitely dense point at the center of a black hole. These terms help to explain the concept of black holes, which are still not fully understood due to the breakdown of quantum theory at this extreme level of gravity.
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Inquiring_Mike
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A Couple Questions...

I was recently watching a t.v. show and the following terms came up: event horizon, singularity and schwarzchild radius... Can anyone tell me what these things are?
 
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All these terms relate to black holes. The Schwarzschild radius (depends on mass of object) is the radius that an object has to have to become a black hole. That is if the object is bigger, it is not, if smaller, it is.

The event horizon is determined by the Schwarzschild radius and it refers to the point of no return for any object falling into a black hole.

A singularity (in this context) refers to the idea that all the mass of a black hole is concentrated at one point of infinite density - a prediction of general relativity. Since quantum theory breaks down under these circumstances, no one really knows what happens inside a black hole.
 
  • #3
The event horizon of a black hole is the point of no return, once an object is past this point it can only move towards the singularity.

The Schwarzschild radius is the radius of the sphere around the (Scwarzchild) black hole whose surface forms the event horizon and is given by the simple equation:

[tex]r_S = \frac{2GM}{c^2}[/tex]

Ther singularity is the infinitely dense point at the centre of a black hole which matter is pulled to.
 
  • #4
Interesting... Thanks...It all makes sense now...
 

1. What is an event horizon?

An event horizon is the boundary surrounding a black hole, beyond which the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, including light, can escape. This boundary marks the point of no return for any object that enters it.

2. What is a singularity?

A singularity is a point of infinite density and zero volume, where the laws of physics as we know them break down. It is believed to exist at the center of a black hole and is the source of the immense gravitational pull.

3. How is the Schwarzchild radius related to black holes?

The Schwarzchild radius is the distance from the center of a black hole at which the event horizon is located. It is directly proportional to the mass of the black hole and serves as a measure of its size and strength of gravity.

4. Can anything escape from a black hole?

No, once an object crosses the event horizon of a black hole, it is impossible for it to escape. The gravitational pull is so strong that even light cannot escape, which is why black holes are invisible.

5. How do scientists study black holes if they are invisible?

Scientists study the effects of black holes on their surroundings, such as the movement of nearby stars and gas, to gather information about their properties. They also use advanced telescopes and computer simulations to study the behavior of matter and light near black holes.

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