What happens when a black hole is a certain size?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the size and mass of black holes and their effects on objects falling into them. It is established that the size of a black hole, determined by its mass through the equation R = 2Gm/c², influences the point at which tidal forces will rip apart an object. For smaller black holes, this occurs outside the event horizon, while for larger black holes, it happens inside the event horizon. The concept of "sucky-power" is clarified, emphasizing that the gravitational interaction is similar to that of ordinary celestial bodies.

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  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Basic knowledge of black hole physics
  • Familiarity with gravitational forces and tidal effects
  • Knowledge of the Schwarzschild radius formula (R = 2Gm/c²)
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DARTZ
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Okay, I am new here and I guess you could say I am a little new to Einsteins theory of relativity, but I am trying so bear with me here.

Okay, I remember reading somewhere that the size (not mass) of a black hole makes a difference of what happens when your getting sucked in theoretically speaking. If the black hole is a certain size you will get pulled in differently. Can someone please explain this phenomenon to me?

Thank you!
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi DARTZ! Welcome to PF! :wink:
DARTZ said:
Okay, I remember reading somewhere that the size (not mass) of a black hole makes a difference of what happens when your getting sucked in theoretically speaking. If the black hole is a certain size you will get pulled in differently.

No, size and mass are the same thing: the size of a black hole is uniquely determined by its mass: R = 2Gm/c2. :smile:

(also, black holes have no "sucky-power": you orbit or crash in the same way that you orbit or crash into an ordinary star or planet)
 
DARTZ said:
If the black hole is a certain size you will get pulled in differently.

If you fall into a (non-rotating, uncharged) black hole, your body will get ripped apart by tidal forces, and where this happens depends on the size of the black hole. If the black hole is small enough, this happen outside (the event horizon of) the black hole; If the black hole is large enough, this happens inside (the event horizon of) the black hole.

As tiny-tim has noted, black hole size and mass are related.
 

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