Supernova explosion near a black hole

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of a supernova explosion occurring near a black hole, specifically focusing on the energy released and the shockwave generated by the explosion. Participants explore theoretical implications and the nature of black holes in relation to such events.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the energy and shockwave from a supernova explosion could tear apart a black hole.
  • Another participant asserts that the gas and energy from the explosion will form an accretion disc around the black hole and will be absorbed, leading to an increase in the black hole's mass.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of shockwaves in space, with one participant stating that shockwaves are not significant in the vacuum of space compared to denser mediums.
  • Another participant elaborates on the concept of black holes, explaining that the event horizon is a mathematical surface and that the gravitational forces within it are much stronger than the kinetic energy from a supernova.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the clarification provided by others regarding the nature of black holes and supernovae.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a black hole cannot be destroyed by external forces such as a supernova explosion. However, there are differing views on the significance of shockwaves in the context of space and the dynamics involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of black holes and the behavior of shockwaves in space, which may not be fully resolved. The implications of energy absorption and the formation of accretion discs are also contingent on specific conditions that are not detailed in the conversation.

vinayjain
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It might be stupid to think this way but it came to my mind and I wasn't able to find anything related to this on internet so please help me understanding this thing...


Say if we have a massive star and a black hole nearby and the massive star completes its life cycle, it will end up with a supernova explosion.

So what will be the effect of the energy librated and shockwave generated by the explosion on the black hole...does black hole will be teared apart in this explosion.

Please reply
 
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vinayjain said:
So what will be the effect of the energy librated and shockwave generated by the explosion on the black hole...does black hole will be teared apart in this explosion.
No. The the gas and energy expelled from the explosion in the direction of the BH will form an accretion disc around the black and will fall into be absorbed, causing it to grow in mass.

No external force will destroy a black hole.
 
DaveC426913 said:
No. The the gas and energy expelled from the explosion in the direction of the BH will form an accretion disc around the black and will fall into be absorbed, causing it to grow in mass.

No external force will destroy a black hole.

and what about the shockwave...

Thanks
 
vinayjain said:
and what about the shockwave...

Thanks

From wikipedia: A shock wave (also called shock front or simply "shock") is a type of propagating disturbance. Like an ordinary wave, it carries energy and can propagate through a medium (solid, liquid, gas or plasma) or in some cases in the absence of a material medium, through a field such as the electromagnetic field

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_wave
 
Shock waves are not much of a factor in the vacuum of space. You have occasional highly energetic collisions between widely separated particles, but, little more. Kinematics play a much larger role in denser mediums. Plasma effects dominate in space.
 
vinayjain said:
and what about the shockwave...

Thanks

The point is that a BH is not a simple physical object with a physical structure. The event horizon itself is not a physical boundary, just a virtual boundary - a mathematical surface where the escape velocity exceeds the speed of light. The gravitational forces within this boundary are far stronger than any amount of kinetic energy a mere supernova can throw at it. This becomes apparent when you realize that, even in principle, the matter from the supernova will never get close to the speed of light. Matter only falls in to a BH, never out.
 
DaveC426913 said:
The point is that a BH is not a simple physical object with a physical structure. The event horizon itself is not a physical boundary, just a virtual boundary - a mathematical surface where the escape velocity exceeds the speed of light. The gravitational forces within this boundary are far stronger than any amount of kinetic energy a mere supernova can throw at it. This becomes apparent when you realize that, even in principle, the matter from the supernova will never get close to the speed of light. Matter only falls in to a BH, never out.

Well Thank You for such a beautiful reply, it makes my doubt clear...:smile:

and Thank You Drakkith and Chronos for such replies :smile:
 

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