Calculate Schwarzschild Radius of Earth-Sized Mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the Schwarzschild radius for a mass equivalent to Earth's mass, approximately 7.22 × 1024 kg. The correct formula to determine the escape velocity is V = sqrt(2GM/r), where V must equal the speed of light (c = 2.99792 × 108 m/s). The gravitational constant used is G = 6.67259 × 10-11 Nm2/kg2. The key takeaway is that the limiting radius (r0) can be derived by rearranging this equation to find the conditions under which this mass becomes a black hole.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newtonian mechanics
  • Familiarity with gravitational constants and their applications
  • Knowledge of escape velocity concepts
  • Basic algebra for rearranging equations
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  • Research the derivation of the Schwarzschild radius formula
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A black hole is an object so heavy that neither
matter nor even light can escape the influence
of its gravitational field. Since no light can
escape from it, it appears black. Suppose a
mass approximately the size of the Earth’s
mass 7.22 × 1024 kg is packed into a small
uniform sphere of radius r.
Use:
The speed of light c = 2.99792 × 108 m/s .
The universal gravitational constant G =
6.67259 × 10−11 Nm2/kg2 .
Hint: The escape speed must be the speed
of light.
Based on Newtonian mechanics, determine
the limiting radius r0 when this mass (approx-
imately the size of the Earth’s mass) becomes
a black hole. Answer in units of m.V[e]=Sqrt(2GM)(r))

Where the V[e]is the speed of light. This should be easy but apparently i am getting it wrong some how... any ideas?
 
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Well, your equation is slightly wrong. It is a simple matter of plugging and chugging, but your equation should be V=sqrt(2GM/r)
 
John Michell, c1783, 133 years before Schwarzschild.
 

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