Gravity Collapse on Planets: Physicists' Perspective

In summary, physicists focus on gravity collapse in stars because planets do not have enough mass for this process to occur. The minimum mass for a star to create a black hole is estimated to be 20-40 times the mass of our sun.
  • #1
Hyperreality
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Why does physicist only talk about gravity collpase on stars?

Doesn't gravity collapse happen to planets? I mean they do not have any process such as nuclear fusion do repell gravity.
 
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  • #2
I would imagine the mass of planets is much too small. After all, gravity is a very weak force.
 
  • #3
Tail is correct, the mass of a planet is far, far too small for gravitational collapse to occur IIRC the minimum mass of a star (befiore going supernova) needed to create a black hole is thought to be in the region of 20-40 solar masses (i.e. 20-40 times the mass of our sun).
 

1. What is "Gravity Collapse" on planets?

"Gravity Collapse" is a term used by physicists to describe the process of a planet's gravitational forces becoming so strong that they cause the planet's surface to collapse inward. This can occur when a planet's mass increases significantly, or when it loses its internal heat and starts to cool down.

2. How does gravity collapse on planets affect their size and shape?

When a planet experiences gravity collapse, its size and shape can change dramatically. The planet's surface will start to sink inwards, causing the overall size of the planet to decrease. This can also lead to changes in the planet's shape, as the gravitational forces pull the surface in different directions.

3. What factors contribute to gravity collapse on planets?

There are several factors that can contribute to gravity collapse on planets. The most significant factor is the planet's mass, as the more massive a planet is, the stronger its gravitational forces will be. Other contributing factors include the planet's internal heat and its composition, as well as any external forces such as tidal forces from nearby objects.

4. Can gravity collapse on planets be reversed?

In most cases, gravity collapse on planets cannot be reversed. Once a planet's gravitational forces become strong enough to cause collapse, the effects are usually irreversible. However, in rare cases, external factors such as collisions with other objects or changes in the planet's orbit may disrupt the gravitational forces and reverse the collapse.

5. Are there any known examples of gravity collapse on planets?

While gravity collapse on planets is a theoretical concept, there are a few potential examples that have been observed in our solar system. For example, the moon Io, which orbits Jupiter, experiences a type of gravity collapse due to the strong tidal forces from its parent planet. Additionally, some dwarf planets, such as Pluto, may have experienced gravity collapse in the past due to their small size and low internal heat.

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