Confused on Gravity: Is Gravitational Force Strong Enough for a Black Hole?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of gravity as the weakest force and how it can become the strongest force in certain scenarios, such as in the case of a black hole. It is explained that gravity is cumulative and infinite in extent, allowing it to become stronger as it accumulates mass. Additionally, it is mentioned that other forces may become weaker at larger distances, making gravity the predominant force over long distances. However, it is clarified that this is not always the case and that other forces can also play a role in certain situations.
  • #1
beeger
11
0
I'm confused! Gravity is the weakest force...right. How is it possible to hypothesize that a black hole scenario of gravitation being stong enough that nothing else can escape?
 
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  • #2
beeger said:
I'm confused! Gravity is the weakest force...right. How is it possible to hypothesize that a black hole scenario of gravitation being stong enough that nothing else can escape?
Because gravity is
1] cumulative (Every single particle pulls on every other particle.)
2] infinite in extent (the other forces act over extremely short distances.)
 
  • #3
thankyou!
So as it accumulates it becomes the strongest force.
 
  • #4
beeger said:
thankyou!
So as it accumulates it becomes the strongest force.

This is correct. Plus, there is a lot of space between the molecules that make up our planet, just as there is a lot of space that make up our sun.
As the gravitational body acquires more mass, it exerts a greater gravitational field. Ultimately, the increase in gravity condenses the molecules that make up the Earth and sun to such an extent that there is no space left in between the molecules that make up the Earth and sun. A very massive body + no room in between the molecules of the massive body = a black hole that excerts the strongest known force.
 
  • #5
Hi there,

beeger said:
Gravity is the weakest force...right.

By saying the weakest force, you might want to precise. Gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental interaction, but for short distance only. By short distance, I mean from a few pm up to a few thousands (maybe millions km).

The greater the distance is, the weaker the other three interactions become. Therefore, on very large scale, only the gravitational interaction is left to do the work.

Cheers
 
  • #6
fatra2 said:
The greater the distance is, the weaker the other three interactions become.

That's not true - or rather, it's true but misleading. Both EM and gravity fall off as 1/r2. The other two fall off faster. The reason that gravity wins out over large distances is that it is always attractive, whereas electromagnetism is sometimes attractive and sometimes repulsive.
 

Related to Confused on Gravity: Is Gravitational Force Strong Enough for a Black Hole?

1. How does gravity work in a black hole?

Gravity in a black hole is extremely strong due to the massive amount of matter and energy concentrated in a small space. This creates a deep gravitational well, causing objects to be pulled towards the center with incredible force.

2. What is the force of gravity like inside a black hole?

The force of gravity inside a black hole is so strong that it overcomes all other forces, including electromagnetic and nuclear forces. This means that matter is compressed to an infinitely small point, known as the singularity, where gravity is infinite.

3. Is gravity the only force in a black hole?

In the extreme conditions of a black hole, gravity is the dominant force. However, other fundamental forces such as electromagnetism and the strong and weak nuclear forces may still have some influence, but they are greatly distorted by the intense gravity.

4. What happens to objects that enter a black hole?

Objects that enter a black hole will be stretched and compressed by the intense gravitational forces. As they approach the singularity, they will experience extreme tidal forces that will tear them apart. Eventually, they will be crushed to an infinitely small point at the center of the black hole.

5. Can anything escape a black hole's gravity?

Once an object crosses the event horizon, the point of no return, it is no longer possible for it to escape the black hole's gravitational pull. However, according to Stephen Hawking's theory of Hawking radiation, particles can escape from the event horizon, but this process is extremely slow and not significant for large black holes.

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