Would gravitational time dilation prevent Singularity in a black hole?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of gravitational time dilation and its implications for the existence of singularities in black holes. It argues that as matter approaches infinite density, the curvature of space-time increases, leading to time dilation that could prevent matter from compressing to a singularity. This perspective challenges the mainstream view supported by the Penrose singularity theorem, which asserts that singularities must occur under certain conditions in General Relativity (GR). The conversation highlights the need to explore alternative theories beyond GR to fully understand the nature of black holes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR)
  • Familiarity with the Schwarzschild solution
  • Knowledge of the Penrose singularity theorem
  • Basic concepts of gravitational time dilation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research alternative theories to General Relativity regarding black holes
  • Study the implications of the Penrose singularity theorem in detail
  • Examine the concept of time dilation in various gravitational fields
  • Read the article referenced from arXiv:0902.0346 for alternative perspectives
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, astrophysicists, and students of theoretical physics interested in the nature of black holes and the implications of gravitational time dilation on singularities.

BenjaminShaw
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In the current mainstream theory of black holes, there exists a singularity of infinite density. However, it seems to me that matter actually could not compress tightly enough to reach this point. As matter coalesces in a black hole, space-time would increasingly curve. As the density approaches infinite, so would the curvature of surrounding space-time. This in turn would mean that time becomes almost infinitely dilated, all but stopping the flow of events. Therefore, there would not be enough time for matter to move close enough together to actually reach infinite density. If I am correct on this, it would seem to vindicate Einstein's belief that a singularity should not exist in nature.

Is there a major flaw in my understanding of gravitational time dilation or limits at infinity, or might this actually be a reasonable extension of Relativity that would eliminate one of the most mathematically objectionable aspects of black holes? This seems simple and straightforward enough that I must be missing something major.
 
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Do a search here on PF for this. I swear I just saw an identical post recently.
 
According to GR, in a Schwarzschild spacetime, infalling matter reaches the singularity in finite proper time. In fact, the Penrose singularity theorem proves that under certain conditions, a singularity must result.

If you look at other theories instead of GR, you can get a different answer. For an example, see http://arxiv.org/abs/0902.0346 . There is a good popularized version in Scientific American, Oct. 2009, if you can find it at a library.
 

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