Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the implications of the Schwarzschild radius being smaller than the Planck length, particularly in the context of black holes potentially produced in particle accelerators like the LHC. Participants explore the relationship between mass, speed, and the Schwarzschild radius, as well as the limitations of current theories in addressing these scenarios.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant calculates that any mass greater than 9.375×107 kg has a Schwarzschild radius smaller than the Planck length and questions the implications for black holes with such small radii.
- Another participant asserts that relativistic mass does not factor into general relativity when calculating the Schwarzschild radius, suggesting that the apparent mass of fast-moving particles is irrelevant.
- A later reply indicates uncertainty about what happens to black holes with radii smaller than measurable lengths, noting the limitations of general relativity and quantum mechanics in addressing these extreme conditions.
- Participants express that the concept of mass increasing with speed is often misunderstood and should be unlearned for a better understanding of relativity.
- References to earlier threads are provided, indicating that the consensus remains that relativistic mass does not apply in this context.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that relativistic mass does not apply to the calculation of the Schwarzschild radius, but there is no consensus on the implications of black holes having radii smaller than the Planck length, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of such black holes.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights limitations in current theories, particularly the lack of a unified theory that reconciles general relativity and quantum mechanics at extreme scales. There are also unresolved questions regarding the implications of black holes with radii smaller than the smallest measurable length.