Exploring the Limits of Black Hole Tidal Forces: Effects on Matter and Light

[Meatbot]

If a black hole will always rip you apart through tidal effects as you approach it, what are the limits on what can be ripped apart? Will it rip apart atoms, protons, quarks? What do the tidal forces do to light? Does it "rip" light apart?

 

[mathman]

At the level of atoms and smaller, where quantum mechanics is in play, the physics theory breaks down, i.e. general relativity and quantum theory give nonsense when used together.

 

[tacman]

The tidal forces exerted by a black hole are indeed incredibly powerful and can tear apart objects as they approach the event horizon. The exact limits on what can be ripped apart are not fully understood, as it depends on the size and mass of the black hole, as well as the strength of the tidal forces.

In general, as an object gets closer to the black hole, the tidal forces increase exponentially. At some point, the gravitational pull on one side of the object becomes significantly stronger than the pull on the other side, causing the object to stretch and eventually break apart. This can happen to atoms, protons, and even quarks, though the exact point at which this occurs is not known.

As for light, it is not a physical object and does not experience the same kind of tidal forces as matter. However, as light travels towards a black hole, it will be affected by the intense gravity and will be bent and distorted. In some cases, the light may even be "ripped" apart, as it gets closer to the event horizon and is pulled in different directions by the varying gravitational forces.

Overall, the tidal forces of a black hole are incredibly strong and can have a significant impact on both matter and light. The exact limits of what can be ripped apart are still being studied, but it is clear that black holes have a powerful influence on the objects and energy around them.