Size of Black Holes: A Closer Look

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature and size of black holes, specifically addressing the concept of singularities and event horizons. Participants clarify that all black holes are considered to have a singularity at their center, which is a dimensionless point of infinite density, while the event horizon's size is proportional to the mass of the black hole, defined by the Schwarzschild radius formula (r = 2M). General Relativity effectively describes the behavior of black holes outside the event horizon, but its applicability inside remains uncertain, leading to ongoing debates about the true nature of singularities and the potential need for a theory of quantum gravity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity and its implications for black holes
  • Familiarity with the concept of singularities in physics
  • Knowledge of the Schwarzschild radius and its calculation
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics and their relation to gravity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the Schwarzschild radius in black hole physics
  • Explore theories of quantum gravity and their potential to explain singularities
  • Study the differences between rotating (Kerr) black holes and non-rotating black holes
  • Investigate observational evidence of black holes and their event horizons
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and students of astrophysics interested in the complexities of black hole mechanics and the intersection of General Relativity and quantum theory.

  • #31
leroyjenkens said:
Then why do I see "infinite density" and "zero volume" every time I look up information about black holes?

Because that's what GR predicts.
 

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