Astronomer107 and the surface gravity of a black hole

In summary, the question asked was about finding the surface gravity of a 10 solar mass black hole and whether it can be calculated by multiplying the surface gravity of the sun by 10. The answer is no, as the surface gravity of a black hole is calculated using the formula c4/4GM, where c is the speed of light, G is the gravitational constant, and M is the mass of the black hole. The temperature of a black hole is also related to its surface gravity, according to Stephen Hawking's famous result.
  • #1
marcus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
24,775
792
Astronomer107 asked:

"How can I figure out the g of a 10 solar mass black hole? If the sun is a certain "g" then can I multiply it by 10 to get the g of a 10 solar mass black hole?"

Many people offered comment and suggestion but no one addressed this question.

The radius of the event horizon of an ordinary (nonrotating uncharged) black hole is given by Schwarzschild's formula

R = 2GM/c2

The acceleration of gravity at that radius is given by the classical formula GM/R2.

This simplifies to

c4/4GM.

If you plug in values for c, G, and M, this will allow you to find out.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Astronomer 107, you were also asking about the surface gravity of the sun. It is NOT true that you can multiply the surface gravity of the sun by 10 and get the surface gravity of a 10-solar-mass black hole.

The way to find the survace gravity of the black hole is the formula in the preceding post:

c4/4GM.

The way to find the surface gravity of the sun is to evaluate
the classical formula

GM/R2

where M is the mass of the sun and R is the radius.
The radius is 7E8 meters.
You must square this which gives 49E16 square meters.
The figure of 7E8 meters which you say you got from some
book is just fine! It is sufficiently accurate. Go ahead and calculate. Before, you simply forgot to square the radius.

You are to be congratulated for wanting to know the surface
gravity g of a black hole. It is a famous result of Stephen Hawking that the temperature of a black hole is proportional to its surface gravity. In fact in the units people like Hawking use the temp is simply (and amazingly enough)
g/2pi

So you are right on the threshold of finding out for yourself the temperature of the socalled "Hawking radiation" of a 10 solar mass black hole (however do not get excited the large mass holes have low temp and it is the very little ones that are really hot :smile: so the temp of a 10 solar mass one is maybe not all that interesting)

Originally posted by marcus
Astronomer107 asked:

"How can I figure out the g of a 10 solar mass black hole? If the sun is a certain "g" then can I multiply it by 10 to get the g of a 10 solar mass black hole?"

Many people offered comment and suggestion but no one addressed this question.

The radius of the event horizon of an ordinary (nonrotating uncharged) black hole is given by Schwarzschild's formula

R = 2GM/c2

The acceleration of gravity at that radius is given by the classical formula GM/R2.

This simplifies to

c4/4GM.

If you plug in values for c, G, and M, this will allow you to find out.
 
Last edited:

1. What is the surface gravity of a black hole?

The surface gravity of a black hole is the measure of the gravitational force at its event horizon, which is the point of no return for anything that enters the black hole. It is calculated by dividing the mass of the black hole by the square of its radius.

2. How does the surface gravity of a black hole affect objects near it?

The surface gravity of a black hole is extremely strong, which means that objects near it will experience a significant pull towards the black hole. This strong gravitational force can lead to the distortion and destruction of objects that get too close to the black hole.

3. Can the surface gravity of a black hole change?

Yes, the surface gravity of a black hole can change as the mass of the black hole changes. As more matter is consumed by the black hole, its mass and surface gravity will increase. However, the surface gravity of a black hole cannot be directly observed, so changes in it can only be inferred through other observations.

4. How does the surface gravity of a black hole compare to that of Earth?

The surface gravity of a black hole is much stronger than that of Earth. For example, a black hole with the mass of our sun would have a surface gravity of about 28 million times stronger than Earth's surface gravity.

5. What is the significance of the surface gravity of a black hole?

The surface gravity of a black hole is significant because it is a key factor in determining the behavior and effects of a black hole. It determines the size of the event horizon, the strength of the gravitational pull, and the amount of distortion in the space-time around the black hole. It also plays a role in the formation and evolution of galaxies and other celestial bodies.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
62
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
390
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
43
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
3
Views
990
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
11
Views
764
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
9
Views
480
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top