Could a Giant Iron Planet Form a Black Hole?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the possibility of a giant planet primarily composed of iron forming a black hole. Participants consider the mass requirements for black hole formation and the implications of density in this context, as well as the nature of black holes in relation to stellar objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether a Jupiter-sized planet made primarily of iron could exist and whether it could form a black hole due to its mass.
  • One participant calculates that an iron sphere would need to reach approximately 58 million solar masses to form a black hole, suggesting that such an object is unlikely to exist.
  • Another participant challenges the necessity of such a high mass, arguing that the density of the object is more critical for black hole formation.
  • It is noted that generating the required density for black hole formation involves significant force, implying complexities in the formation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mass and density requirements for a black hole, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the relationship between mass, density, and black hole formation that are not fully explored, and the calculations presented may depend on specific definitions and conditions.

Nexus555
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While I know iron isn't the most common element in the universe, is it possible that there is a Jupiter + size planet made primarly of iron? Also, when it comes to black holes - would a massive iron planet form a black hole due to it's immense mass? What would be the minimum mass to form a black hole, or is black holes reserved strictly for dying stars and centers of galaxies?
 
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Nexus555 said:
While I know iron isn't the most common element in the universe, is it possible that there is a Jupiter + size planet made primarly of iron? Also, when it comes to black holes - would a massive iron planet form a black hole due to it's immense mass? What would be the minimum mass to form a black hole, or is black holes reserved strictly for dying stars and centers of galaxies?

A planet of that size would likely attract lots of gas and dust coming its way, so that it would end up no longer being naked. Perhaps it is possible.

The Earth is mostly of iron, so we can consider a black hole of the same density (5515 kg/m^3).

Since a black hole must have 6.73426629 * 10^26 kilograms for every meter of radius, the iron sphere (incapable of fusion) would have to be 1.14978957 * 10^38 kilograms (i.e. 58 million solar masses) with a radius of 170,737,170 kilometers, much more hefty than the sun is. I really doubt a black hole could be formed this way, or the existence of such an object. I really really doubt that my understanding of this is complete, so let's someone else pitch in...

http://www.google.com/search?q=1.14...2+*+G*+1.14978957+*+10^38+kilograms+/+c^2)^3)
 
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Why would the iron sphere need to be that massive? All it needs to be is dense enough to form a black hole.
 
Flatland said:
Why would the iron sphere need to be that massive? All it needs to be is dense enough to form a black hole.

It takes a massive amount of force to generate the density necessary for the creation of a black hole.
 

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