What is Singularity? Explained

In summary, inside a black hole, there is a point called "singularity" where the laws of physics we know break down. However, once we are able to unite relativity and quantum theory, we may have different laws of physics that can be applied to the singularity. Alternatively, our current understanding of black holes may be incorrect and the singularity may not be what we think it is. In simpler terms, a singularity occurs when our laws of physics are no longer well defined, similar to how the gravitational force is undefined at r=0 in Newtonian physics. This is why we say that there is a singularity at the center of a black hole.
  • #1
mdmaaz
42
0
I have read that inside a black hole there is a point called "singularity", where all the laws of physics break down. But exactly what does that mean?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
hi mdmaaz! :smile:

it means that the laws of physics as we know them break down …

once we've managed to unite relativity and quantum theory, our laws of physics will be different, and we may be able to apply them to the singularity

(alternatively, maybe our black hole equation will turn out to be wrong, and the singularity isn't exactly what we think it is)
 
  • #3
To expand on what tiny-tim said, we say a singularity occurs when our laws of physics are no longer well defined. For example, in Newtonian physics, the gravitational force is expressed as:
[tex]F\sim\frac{1}{r^2}[/tex]
When r=0, this equation is undefined (since division by zero is not defined), or we say that it is singular. I.e. there is a singularity at r=0. This is analogous to what happens with a black hole.
 

1. What is Singularity?

Singularity, also known as the technological singularity or the AI singularity, is a hypothetical event in the future where artificial intelligence (AI) will surpass human intelligence, leading to rapid and unpredictable advancements in technology.

2. When will the Singularity happen?

There is no definitive answer to when the Singularity will occur as it is a theoretical concept. Some futurists and experts predict it could happen within the next few decades, while others believe it may never happen at all.

3. What are the potential implications of Singularity?

The potential implications of Singularity are vast and can be both positive and negative. Some experts believe it could lead to significant advancements in fields such as medicine, space exploration, and renewable energy. However, there are concerns about the control and ethical implications of superintelligent AI.

4. How is Singularity related to the concept of the "technological singularity"?

The concept of Singularity is closely related to the technological singularity, which is the idea that technological progress will eventually reach a point where it will be indistinguishable from magic. Singularity takes this concept a step further by specifically focusing on the potential impact of artificial intelligence on humanity.

5. Is Singularity a realistic concept?

The concept of Singularity is a highly debated topic among experts and scientists. While some believe it is a realistic possibility, others argue that the limitations of technology and AI make it unlikely. There is no consensus on the likelihood of Singularity happening, and it remains a hypothetical concept for now.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
214
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
732
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
36
Views
5K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
364
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
57
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
20
Views
822
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
13
Views
3K
Back
Top