Can an Atom Become a Black Hole?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of shrinking an atom down to a certain point to create a black hole and the potential size of this black hole. However, it is mentioned that even if this were possible, the atom would evaporate instantly, making it difficult to measure. The conversation also touches on the limitations of human knowledge and technology in creating black holes on a cosmic scale.
  • #1
Blop
6
2
If you shrunk an atom down to a certain point would it become a black hole like all matter in the universe can? How big would it be?
 
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  • #2
Blop said:
If you shrunk an atom down to a certain point would it become a black hole like all matter in the universe can? How big would it be?
Even if you could, which I doubt, it would evaporate in the instant of its creation so measuring it would be a bit tough.
 
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Likes anorlunda
  • #3
Blop said:
If you shrunk an atom down to a certain point would it become a black hole like all matter in the universe can? How big would it be?
Just wondering... by what means do you plan on shrinking down an atom?
 
  • #5
XZ923 said:
As with many other concepts, we humans don't have the knowledge to make any kind of impact on a cosmic scale.

Considering the mess we've made of things in our own back yard, this is probably a very good thing...
 
  • #6
If we could accelerate protons to the Planck energy and collide them, we should be able to form artificial black holes (that evaporate quickly - but then we can study the decay products).
Unfortunately the energy we can reach in current accelerators is a factor 100000000000000 (1014) too low.
 

Related to Can an Atom Become a Black Hole?

1. Can any atom become a black hole?

No, not any atom can become a black hole. Only atoms with a very large mass, typically at least three times the mass of the sun, have the potential to become black holes.

2. How does an atom become a black hole?

An atom can potentially become a black hole if it has a very large mass and undergoes a process called gravitational collapse. This occurs when the gravitational force is so strong that it causes the atom to collapse in on itself, forming a singularity at its center.

3. What happens to the matter inside an atom when it becomes a black hole?

When an atom becomes a black hole, the matter inside it is compressed to an extremely high density, creating a singularity. This means that all the particles within the atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, are crushed into an infinitely small point.

4. Can an atom become a black hole naturally?

Yes, an atom can become a black hole naturally through the process of gravitational collapse. This can occur when the atom is part of a very large, dying star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel and can no longer support its own weight.

5. Can we create a black hole in a laboratory using atoms?

No, we currently do not have the technology or capability to create a black hole in a laboratory using atoms. The massive amounts of energy and pressure required to initiate gravitational collapse are beyond our current capabilities.

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