Do Tidal Forces in Black Holes Affect Matter at the Quantum Level?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the effects of tidal forces in black holes on matter at the quantum level, exploring theoretical implications of singularities and gravitational forces within black holes. Participants examine concepts related to general relativity, quantum mechanics, and the nature of singularities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that tidal forces near a black hole's core could potentially rip apart matter at the quantum level.
  • There is a suggestion that if a singularity exists, composite objects would be torn apart by tidal forces as they approach it.
  • One participant questions whether gravity would cease to exert its force at the center of a black hole, suggesting that the equal pull in all directions might negate gravitational attraction.
  • Another viewpoint indicates that if a singularity is infinite, its gravitational attraction would continue indefinitely, raising questions about the nature of a stationary center.
  • Some participants note that general relativity may not apply at extremely small scales, while quantum mechanics functions well at those scales, highlighting an ongoing enigma in reconciling the two theories.
  • A participant challenges the logic of infinite singularities and their implications for gravitational attraction and stationary centers, seeking clarification on the concepts presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the nature of singularities, the behavior of gravity at extreme scales, and the implications for matter approaching black holes. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on these complex topics.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in understanding the mathematics of general relativity as it applies to black holes, and the discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the nature of singularities and their effects on matter.

tanzanos
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Theoretically; As any mass approaching the core of a black hole, then would the tidal force difference effect the quantum level and rip apart matter? Also at the very centre of a black hole would gravity cease to exert its force since in any direction the "pull" would be equal?
 
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tanzanos said:
Theoretically; As any mass approaching the core of a black hole, then would the tidal force difference effect the quantum level and rip apart matter?

Well, if we assume that a singularity actually exists in the center of a Black Hole, then any composite objects should eventually be ripped apart by tidal forces.

Also at the very centre of a black hole would gravity cease to exert its force since in any direction the "pull" would be equal?

Again, this depends on what is actually inside a black hole. We have no idea what we will find inside one. If a singularity exists then no, you would always be drawn towards the singularity. It's difficult to think in terms of "normal" gravity, as at the extreme scale of a black hole the curvature of spacetime is much harder to talk about as a "force" if my understanding is correct. I would expect that as you get close to the singularity that the curvature becomes so extreme that there aren't even any paths leading away from it anymore! But, as I am not familiar with the math of general relativity and how it applies to black hole singularities, I would take that with a grain of salt.
 
Wouldn't it be logical to assume that if the singularity is infinite that it's gravitation attraction would continue regardless of how far matter is pulled in? That it can't have a stationary center because if it did then it wouldn't be infinite?
 
Most scientists view singularities as evidence General Relatively ceases to work at extremely small scales, not as physical entities. Quantum Mechancs, on the other hand, works just fine at extremely small scales, but, not so much on large scales. This enigma will persist until we learn how to quantize gravity.
 
Brainiac2 said:
Wouldn't it be logical to assume that if the singularity is infinite that it's gravitation attraction would continue regardless of how far matter is pulled in? That it can't have a stationary center because if it did then it wouldn't be infinite?

I don't follow you. Infinite in what aspect? And why would that affect whether its stationary or not? Stationary with respect to what?
 

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