Is there a lining to our Universe?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the misconception regarding the universe's capacity for mass and the nature of black holes. Participants clarify that the perceived limitations stem from misunderstandings of the General Theory of Relativity (GR) rather than actual constraints of spacetime. The conversation emphasizes that black holes form when mass is compressed to a point where spacetime curvature prevents escape. A recommended resource for better understanding is "Relativity For Poets" by Ben Crowell, which aims to simplify these complex concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • General Theory of Relativity (GR)
  • Understanding of black hole formation
  • Basic concepts of spacetime curvature
  • Familiarity with popular science interpretations of physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "Relativity For Poets" by Ben Crowell to grasp fundamental concepts of relativity
  • Explore advanced topics in General Relativity, focusing on spacetime and gravity
  • Investigate the physics of black holes and their formation mechanisms
  • Study the impact of mass on spacetime curvature and its implications in cosmology
USEFUL FOR

Anyone interested in astrophysics, particularly those seeking to clarify misconceptions about black holes and the universe's mass capacity, including students, educators, and science enthusiasts.

Andre55
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TL;DR
Why does our universe have a limited capacity for mass?
I was wondering if someone could answer my question. I know I may be dumb but I don't really understand why our universe has a limited capacity for mass. If I remember correctly black holes occur when concentration of mass causes a hole in spacetime. I don't really understand I guess how space time could fail. I'm sorry if this question makes no sense.
 
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What makes you think our universe has a limited capacity for mass?
Where did you read this?
What does this have to do with black holes?

It is not spacetime that's is failing, it is simply our understanding of what happens in the presence of extreme gravity that fails.
 
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Andre55 said:
TL;DR Summary: Why does our universe have a limited capacity for mass?

I was wondering if someone could answer my question. I know I may be dumb but I don't really understand why our universe has a limited capacity for mass. If I remember correctly black holes occur when concentration of mass causes a hole in spacetime. I don't really understand I guess how space time could fail. I'm sorry if this question makes no sense.
It's not a dumb question, but sounds to me like a question arising from some popular science overly simplistic version of the General Theory of Relativity (GR). As such, the question appears to be based on a misconception of the physics and cannot sensibly be answered.
 
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I'm afraid the question makes no sense.

Black holes will occur (loosely speaking) when mass is compressed so far that spacetime is sufficiently curved that no paths into the future lead outwards.
 
@Andre55 you need to give a reference for where you are getting these ideas from. None of them look anything like valid physics.
 
PeroK said:
It's not a dumb question, but sounds to me like a question arising from some popular science overly simplistic version of the General Theory of Relativity (GR). As such, the question appears to be based on a misconception of the physics and cannot sensibly be answered.
Thanks for clarification that makes more sense. I am not a physicist so popular science media is pretty much my only understanding of physics. The misunderstanding probably arose from there.
 
Andre55 said:
Thanks for clarification that makes more sense. I am not a physicist so popular science media is pretty much my only understanding of physics. The misunderstanding probably arose from there.
You could check out Relativity For Poets, which is a freely downloadable book by Ben Crowell, a former moderator here. There's only so far you can go without maths, but this is an honest try. https://www.lightandmatter.com/poets/
 

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