Help in Understanding Black Holes

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of black holes, including their formation, properties, and the implications of their gravitational pull. Participants seek clarification on what defines a black hole and how it relates to the speed of light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants request a basic explanation of black holes, expressing confusion about their nature and properties.
  • One participant suggests that a black hole forms when a high-mass star dies and that it emits no radiation, leading to its classification as a black hole.
  • Another participant explains that the gravitational field of a black hole is so strong that nothing can escape it, including light, and discusses the concept of escape speed in relation to black holes.
  • There is a mention of the speed of light being the maximum speed allowed in physics, with a claim that the escape speed from a black hole exceeds this limit.
  • One participant expresses frustration over the presence of incorrect information in the thread and suggests locking it due to the prevalence of misleading claims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints, with some participants seeking basic understanding while others provide explanations that may not be universally accepted. There is no consensus on the accuracy of the claims made, particularly regarding the nature of black holes and the implications of escape speed.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding and knowledge about black holes, leading to potential misunderstandings. The discussion includes references to concepts like escape speed and the properties of light, which may require further clarification or context.

PhyStudent20
Messages
10
Reaction score
5
Can someone please explain what a black hole is? I hear everyone speaking about it but have no idea what it is.
Is it something where even speed of light becomes 0? How?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: EdColider
Astronomy news on Phys.org
PhyStudent20 said:
Can someone please explain what a black hole is? I hear everyone speaking about it but have no idea what it is.
Is it something where even speed of light becomes 0? How?
You can search in google.
 
PhyStudent20 said:
Can someone please explain what a black hole is? I hear everyone speaking about it but have no idea what it is.
Is it something where even speed of light becomes 0? How?

Emmanuel_Euler said:
You can search in google.

Indeed. PF is a poor substitute for an encyclopedia or other source of general information about a subject. Try searching 'Black Hole' in wikipedia, reading the article, and then coming back here if you have specific questions. Google is also a good source of information IF you can avoid any pseudoscience.
 
A black hole forms when a high-mass star dies. It basically emits no radiation (light) hence the name black hole. It's gravitational field is so strong that matter in its vicinity gets pulled in and lost forever. Nothing can escape its gravitational pull - not even light.

I'm sorry I just skimmed through your post and didn't even read the last question. Since speed of light is the fastest speed allowed in physics, which means nothing can exceed the speed of light. There is a concept called escape speed, which is the speed needed for one object to escape from the gravitational pull of another object. An object's escape speed is proportional to the square of the body's mass divided by the square root of its radius. So the more compressed an object is, the more escape speed is needed to escape that object's gravitational pull. Now a black hole is basically the core of a high-mass star that collapsed on itself and is compressed down to a point where even the required escape speed exceeds the speed of light. But remember, nothing can exceed the speed of light since it is the fastest allowed speed in physics. Therefore, the conclusion is nothing can escape from that compressed object, or in other words, a black hole.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Demian
I've had to remove multiple posts from this thread whose information is almost entirely wrong or have been crackpot theories. Time to lock this thread.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Demian and Kyle.Nemeth

Similar threads

High School Confusion regarding black hole spin
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
High School What is the actual shape of black holes?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Light curving around vortex simulating a black hole
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School Analogue Black Holes: Disposal?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School I Need Help on Understanding Some Basic Astrophysics / Sand Clock Universe
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School How Can Black Holes Vary in Size if They Are Singularities?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Undergrad Can there be slowly-falling accretion disks in black holes?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Stargazing Dark matter and its effect on the orbit of stars
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Undergrad The initial density of an object and its compression into a black hole
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K
High School How would physics change if Planet 9 were a primordial black hole?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K