Calculate Schwarzschild Radius of Earth-Sized Mass

In summary, a black hole is a massive object with such a strong gravitational field that neither matter nor light can escape. When a mass similar to Earth's is compressed into a small uniform sphere, the limiting radius at which it becomes a black hole can be determined using the equation V=sqrt(2GM/r), where V is the speed of light, G is the universal gravitational constant, and r is the radius of the sphere. This concept was first proposed by John Michell in 1783, over a century before Schwarzschild.
  • #1
xRandomx210
6
0
A black hole is an object so heavy that neither
matter nor even light can escape the influence
of its gravitational field. Since no light can
escape from it, it appears black. Suppose a
mass approximately the size of the Earth’s
mass 7.22 × 1024 kg is packed into a small
uniform sphere of radius r.
Use:
The speed of light c = 2.99792 × 108 m/s .
The universal gravitational constant G =
6.67259 × 10−11 Nm2/kg2 .
Hint: The escape speed must be the speed
of light.
Based on Newtonian mechanics, determine
the limiting radius r0 when this mass (approx-
imately the size of the Earth’s mass) becomes
a black hole. Answer in units of m.V[e]=Sqrt(2GM)(r))

Where the V[e]is the speed of light. This should be easy but apparently i am getting it wrong some how... any ideas?
 
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  • #2
Well, your equation is slightly wrong. It is a simple matter of plugging and chugging, but your equation should be V=sqrt(2GM/r)
 
  • #3
John Michell, c1783, 133 years before Schwarzschild.
 

Related to Calculate Schwarzschild Radius of Earth-Sized Mass

1. How do you calculate the Schwarzschild Radius of an Earth-sized mass?

To calculate the Schwarzschild Radius of an Earth-sized mass, you can use the formula: Rs = 2GM/c^2, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the object, and c is the speed of light.

2. What is the significance of the Schwarzschild Radius for an Earth-sized mass?

The Schwarzschild Radius is the point at which the gravitational pull of an object becomes so strong that not even light can escape from it. For an Earth-sized mass, this radius would be approximately 9 millimeters.

3. How does the Schwarzschild Radius of an Earth-sized mass compare to other objects in the universe?

The Schwarzschild Radius of an Earth-sized mass is relatively small compared to other objects in the universe, such as stars and black holes. For example, the Schwarzschild Radius of the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy is estimated to be around 13.2 million kilometers.

4. Can the Schwarzschild Radius of an Earth-sized mass change?

Yes, the Schwarzschild Radius of an Earth-sized mass can change if the mass of the object changes. This radius is directly proportional to the mass of the object, so as the mass increases, the Schwarzschild Radius also increases.

5. What implications does the Schwarzschild Radius of an Earth-sized mass have for space travel?

The Schwarzschild Radius of an Earth-sized mass is a significant factor to consider for space travel, particularly for objects with high masses like planets and stars. It can affect the trajectory of spacecraft and can also determine whether an object will become a black hole.

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