Black Hole Singularity: Infinite Mass & Merging Supermassive Black Holes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of black hole singularities, particularly the implications of infinite mass and density, and how these concepts relate to the merging of supermassive black holes. Participants explore theoretical aspects and conceptual clarifications regarding the properties of black holes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how merging black holes can result in "supermassive" black holes if singularities are considered to have infinite mass, suggesting that infinite plus infinite would still be infinite, leading to no increase in mass.
  • Others propose that a black hole has finite mass, and the confusion may stem from the concept of density at the singularity, which can be theoretically infinite.
  • One participant clarifies that a black hole does not possess infinite gravity, challenging the notion that singularities imply infinite gravitational effects.
  • Another participant uses an analogy of a trampoline to explain how black holes warp spacetime and attract other masses, emphasizing the finite nature of black hole mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of singularities, particularly regarding mass and density, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of mass and density, as well as the implications of merging black holes, which are not fully explored or resolved.

James S
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If the Singularity Has Infinite Mass, How Does Merging With Another Black Hole Create "Suoermassive" Black Holes? Infinite Plus Infinite Is Infinite. No Increase.
 
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Wait. That Would Be Infinite Gravity Instead?
 
James S said:
If the Singularity Has Infinite Mass

It does not.
 
James S said:
If the Singularity Has Infinite Mass, How Does Merging With Another Black Hole Create "Suoermassive" Black Holes? Infinite Plus Infinite Is Infinite. No Increase.

A black hole has finite mass. You are probably thinking of the density of the singularity...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_hole
Singularity
Main article: https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Gravitational_singularity
At the center of a black hole as described by general relativity lies a https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Gravitational_singularity , a region where the spacetime curvature becomes infinite.[54] For a non-rotating black hole, this region takes the shape of a single point and for a https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Rotating_black_hole , it is smeared out to form a https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Ring_singularity lying in the plane of rotation.[55] In both cases, the singular region has zero volume. It can also be shown that the singular region contains all the mass of the black hole solution.[56] The singular region can thus be thought of as having infinite https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Mass_density .
 
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It has a specific mass, but theoretically infinite density. The concept behind a black hole is if you rolled a ball on a trampoline it would warp the surface, and it would pull other balls to it. A black hole is essentially a hole in the trampoline.
 
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James S said:
Infinite Gravity

A black hole doesn't have infinite gravity either.
 

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