The radius Rh of a black hole is the radius of a mathematicalsphere, called the event horizon, that is centered on the blackhole. Information from events inside the event horizon cannotreach the outside world. According to Einstein’s general theory ofrelativity, Rh = 2GM/c2, where M is the mass of the black hole andc is the speed of light.Suppose that you wish to study a black hole near it, at a radialdistance of 50Rh. However, you do not want the difference in gravitationalacceleration between your feet and your head to exceed10 m/s2 when you are feet down (or head down) toward the blackhole. (a) As a multiple of our Sun’s mass MS, approximately what isthe limit to the mass of the black hole you can tolerate at the givenradial distance? (You need to estimate your height.) (b) Is the limitan upper limit (you can tolerate smaller masses) or a lower limit(you can tolerate larger masses)?

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections
1st Edition
ISBN:9781133939146
Author:Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:Katz, Debora M.
Chapter39: Relativity
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 78PQ: In December 2012, researchers announced the discovery of ultramassive black holes, with masses up to...
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The radius Rh of a black hole is the radius of a mathematical
sphere, called the event horizon, that is centered on the black
hole. Information from events inside the event horizon cannot
reach the outside world. According to Einstein’s general theory of
relativity
, Rh = 2GM/c2, where M is the mass of the black hole and
c is the speed of light.
Suppose that you wish to study a black hole near it, at a radial
distance of 50Rh. However, you do not want the difference in gravitational
acceleration between your feet and your head to exceed
10 m/s2 when you are feet down (or head down) toward the black
hole. (a) As a multiple of our Sun’s mass MS, approximately what is
the limit to the mass of the black hole you can tolerate at the given
radial distance? (You need to estimate your height.) (b) Is the limit
an upper limit (you can tolerate smaller masses) or a lower limit
(you can tolerate larger masses)?

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