Einstein Luminosity and Speed of Light

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the Einstein luminosity (LE) using dimensional analysis based solely on the speed of light (c) and the gravitational constant (G). The derived formula for luminosity is L = c^5/G, establishing that an object converting its mass entirely to energy cannot radiate energy away fast enough if its luminosity exceeds 0.5LE, thus defining LE as the maximum luminosity in the universe. The conversation also touches on the implications of this limit regarding black hole formation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dimensional analysis in physics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of luminosity and power
  • Knowledge of the speed of light (c) and gravitational constant (G)
  • Basic principles of black hole physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of Einstein luminosity in astrophysics
  • Study the relationship between mass-energy equivalence and black hole formation
  • Explore the implications of luminosity limits in stellar evolution
  • Learn about the properties and equations governing black holes
USEFUL FOR

Students and enthusiasts in astrophysics, physicists studying black hole mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental limits of luminosity in the universe.

kornha
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Homework Statement


Find the Einstein luminosity (LE) in terms of just c and G (the speed of light
and the gravitational constant), i.e. determine a power (in watts) from just these two terms
using dimensional analysis. What is this value? Once determined, you should be able to
show that an object converting its mass entirely to energy cannot radiate that energy away
fast enough before becoming a black hole if its luminosity is greater than 0:5LE. Thus LE
represents an upper limit on how bright anything in our universe can be!

Homework Equations


There are no particular relevant equations. It helps to know that G is n m^3/(kg s^2) units and that c is m/s. Luminosity also equals Power.

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved the beginning. I found that the units of power are J/s which end up being (kg ms^2)/(s^3) and thus solving for a c and G combination yields that L = c^5/G.
However, I am completely unsure how to procede in the question passed the "Once determined you should be able to show..."
Please, any help would be great!
 
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Please do your 250 homework by yourself.
 
Black holes sound ominous...

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Hmm, what odd responses you got... So anyway, consider radiation moving away from the source at the speed of light. How much energy is contained in a sphere of radius ct and how much is needed to collapse it into a black hole?
 

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