Black Holes and the Mysteries of r=0: Understanding the Concept of Infinity

  • Thread starter Thread starter iRaid
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Infinity
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the mathematical concept of dividing by zero in relation to black holes, specifically the equation 1/r as r approaches zero. Participants clarify that while 1/0 is undefined, it is more accurate to say that 1/r approaches infinity as r gets closer to zero. The mention of Michio Kaku suggests a connection to discussions about singularities in black holes. The conversation highlights the confusion surrounding these concepts and emphasizes the importance of precise language in mathematical expressions. Ultimately, the function becomes meaningless at r = 0, prompting questions about clarity in scientific communication.
iRaid
Messages
558
Reaction score
8
Ok so I was watching this program on TV and the guy ended up getting r=0

With this he put this value into the equation as so:
1/r = 1/0 = infinity


What is up with that? Isn't it undefined.


Also, this is about black holes.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org


it's more proper, and correct, to say 1/r approaches infinity as r approaches zero.
 


Let me guess: Michio Kaku on 'Who's afraid of a big black hole' describing the equation that led to a singularity?. I remember I had the same question.
 


1/0 is undefined, anything divided by zero is undefined.
But, as AUK 1138 mentioned it is better said that as r tends towards a very small number ( i.e. gets closer and closer to zero ) the fraction will tend towarda bigger and bigger number ( i.e. tend towards infinity ). But at r = 0 the function is meaningless
 


Why didn't he just do that then rofl. Thanks guys :p
 
Publication: Redox-driven mineral and organic associations in Jezero Crater, Mars Article: NASA Says Mars Rover Discovered Potential Biosignature Last Year Press conference The ~100 authors don't find a good way this could have formed without life, but also can't rule it out. Now that they have shared their findings with the larger community someone else might find an explanation - or maybe it was actually made by life.
TL;DR Summary: In 3 years, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope (or rather, a system of telescopes) should be put into operation. In case of failure to detect alien signals, it will further expand the radius of the so-called silence (or rather, radio silence) of the Universe. Is there any sense in this or is blissful ignorance better? In 3 years, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope (or rather, a system of telescopes) should be put into operation. In case of failure to detect...
Thread 'Could gamma-ray bursts have an intragalactic origin?'
This is indirectly evidenced by a map of the distribution of gamma-ray bursts in the night sky, made in the form of an elongated globe. And also the weakening of gamma radiation by the disk and the center of the Milky Way, which leads to anisotropy in the possibilities of observing gamma-ray bursts. My line of reasoning is as follows: 1. Gamma radiation should be absorbed to some extent by dust and other components of the interstellar medium. As a result, with an extragalactic origin, fewer...
Back
Top