What are Black Hole Singularities: Physical or Mathematical?

In summary, the conversation discusses different types of spacetime singularities, including curvature singularities and conical singularities. It also mentions the idea of an initial singularity at the beginning of the universe according to general relativity. The concept of a singularity inside a black hole is also brought up, with the uncertainty of whether it is physical or purely mathematical. The fate of matter consumed by a black hole is unknown, but it is possible that it is compressed into a more dense form.
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wolram
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational_singularity

The two most important types of spacetime singularities are curvature singularities and conical singularities.[4] Singularities can also be divided according to whether or not they are covered by an event horizon (naked singularities are not covered).[5] According to modern general relativity, the initial state of the universe, at the beginning of the Big Bang, was a singularity.[6] Both general relativityand quantum mechanics break down in describing the earliest moments of the Big Bang,[7] but in general, quantum mechanics does not permit particles to inhabit a space smaller than their wavelengths.[8] Another type of singularity predicted by general relativity is inside a black hole: any star collapsing beyond a certain point (the Schwarzschild radius) would form a black hole, inside which a singularity (covered by an event horizon) would be formed, as all the matter would flow into a certain point (or a circular line, if the black hole is rotating).[9] This is again according to general relativity without quantum mechanics, which forbids wavelike particles entering a space smaller than their wavelength. These hypothetical singularities are also known as curvature singularities.

What are the singularities inside Black Holes, are they physical or purely mathematical, i think AFAICR
That the main consensus is that the universe did not start from a singularity, so that leaves Black Holes
as the last bastion for a possible physical thing inside an event horizon, if it is not physical what has hapend
to the millions of sun masses consumed by the Black Hole ?
 
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  • #2
wolram said:
What are the singularities inside Black Holes, are they physical or purely mathematical

No one knows.

wolram said:
if it is not physical what has hapend to the millions of sun masses consumed by the Black Hole ?

No one knows for sure. It's possible it is compressed into an even more dense form than it is in a neutron star.
 
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1. What is a black hole singularity?

A black hole singularity is a point of infinite density and zero volume at the center of a black hole. It is where the laws of physics, as we currently understand them, break down.

2. Are black hole singularities physical or mathematical?

This is a debated topic among scientists. Some argue that black hole singularities are purely mathematical constructs and do not have a physical existence, while others believe that they are real and represent the breakdown of our current understanding of physics.

3. Can we observe black hole singularities?

No, we cannot directly observe black hole singularities as they are hidden behind the event horizon of a black hole. However, we can observe the effects of their gravity on surrounding matter and light.

4. What is the significance of black hole singularities?

Black hole singularities are important in our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics. They represent extreme conditions that challenge our current theories and may lead to the development of new ones.

5. Do all black holes have singularities?

According to the theory of general relativity, all black holes have singularities at their centers. However, some alternative theories of gravity suggest that certain types of black holes, such as rotating ones, may not have singularities.

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