Exploring Atoms in Black Holes

[Undomiel]

I've got a question ... if atoms cannot be compacted, beyond a certain minute level, how can they exist inside a black hole, and particularly at the 'singularity' point? Wouldn't the fact that atoms cannot be compacted below a certain level falsify the hypothesis of a singularity at the centre of a black hole?

You might be able to tell, from this question, that I'm a popular science buff, and a historian of science, and not a physicist ... I hope this is not a silly question ... but I'd really like you to explain it ...

 

[Valerie Park]

Atoms can indeed exist inside a black hole, and even at the singularity point. This is because the force of gravity that exists within a black hole is so strong that it can actually stretch matter to a point where atoms become weaker and less compact, allowing them to exist in a much more diffuse form. This is known as the spaghettification effect. It's worth noting, however, that this does not actually violate the hypothesis of a singularity at the center of a black hole, since the singularity itself is a mathematical concept, and not an actual physical object.

 

[sir-pinski]

First of all, let me assure you that this is not a silly question at all. In fact, it is a very valid and interesting question that many people have wondered about when thinking about black holes. So, let's dive into the answer.

First, let's clarify what is meant by the "singularity" point in a black hole. The singularity is a hypothetical point at the center of a black hole where the gravitational pull becomes infinitely strong and the laws of physics as we know them break down. It is a mathematical concept and not a physical one, meaning that it is not a point that can actually be reached or observed. It is simply a prediction of our current understanding of gravity and space-time.

Now, back to your question about atoms inside a black hole. You are correct in saying that atoms cannot be compacted beyond a certain level. This is due to the repulsive force between the positively charged protons in the nucleus of an atom. This is known as the Pauli exclusion principle and it prevents particles from occupying the same space.

However, in the extreme conditions of a black hole, the laws of physics as we know them no longer apply. The immense gravitational pull of a black hole can overcome the repulsive force between particles and cause them to collapse into a singularity. This means that the atoms themselves are no longer recognizable and exist only as a point of infinite density and gravity.

So, in short, the concept of a singularity in a black hole does not contradict the fact that atoms cannot be compacted beyond a certain level. The singularity is a theoretical point that represents the breakdown of our current understanding of physics, including the behavior of atoms. I hope this helps to clarify your question and satisfy your curiosity about atoms in black holes.