Possibly simplistic question about massive moving objects

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Studentyguy
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of special relativity on massive objects approaching the speed of light, particularly whether such objects could effectively become black holes due to their increasing mass. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications related to relativity and gravitational effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that as a massive object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases, potentially leading to infinite mass and gravitational force, raising the question of whether it could become a black hole.
  • Another participant introduces a scenario involving three observers with differing perceptions of an object's speed, questioning the implications of relative velocity on the formation of black holes and suggesting the possibility of a causal paradox.
  • A later reply expresses appreciation for the clarification provided, indicating some level of understanding achieved, though it does not address the original question directly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the relationship between velocity, mass, and black hole formation, and remains unresolved as participants explore these concepts without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on interpretations of relativity and the lack of knowledge about general relativity among some participants, which may affect the depth of the discussion.

Studentyguy
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone. Can someone check my logic here please?

I think I have a pretty good grasp of the basics of special relativity, but I'm wondering about something. When a massive object approaches the speed of light, it's mass increases. So, as it gets closer and closer to the speed of light, it's mass approaches infinity. So it's gravitational force approaches infinity. Does this mean that any massive object going sufficiently near the speed of light effectively becomes a black hole?

I suspect that general relativity would have to be involved, but I don't have any real knowledge of that; I can only take that course in two years time!

Can anyone help me out, and/or point me towards a good source to explain?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Consider 3 observers, A, B and C. Suppose that A sees B receeding very close to the speed of light, but C sees B receeding at a much lower speed. If objects could turn into BHs merely from relative velocity, then it's possible that A will see B become a BH, and C will not. This could lead to a causal paradox. It will definitely cause an argument between A and C.:smile:
 
Thanks, that clears things up!
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Relational event horizons?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Thought Experiment: Behavior of shadow of object moving at speed c
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad Perceive Length Contraction VS Terrell Penrose
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad Looking closely at the descent into a black hole
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
2K
High School Theories about light and time near a black hole
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Undergrad A question about the speed of light and electromagnetism
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
5K
Undergrad Relative Speed of Light Between Objects
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Orbits of a photon that can't quite cross the photon sphere of a BH
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
536
Undergrad Is there a theorem that we can't see objects getting behind EHs?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Undergrad Time dilatopause for black holes
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K