Question

It's a common myth (especially in popsci) that a black hole contains a singularity. However, I cannot find an explanation for what we think a black hole actually does contain. The best I've seen is in order to answer this question, we have to unify GR and quantum mechanics. So there are no attempts to answer this question despite our incomplete picture of physics? Let's say Schwarzschild black hole to start with.

Answer 1

A Schwarzschild black hole is theorized to contain a singularity, a point of zero volume and infinite density, surrounded by an event horizon. While general relativity describes this structure, the true nature of the singularity is uncertain without a unified theory of gravity and quantum mechanics. Observations have confirmed black holes as real, fundamentally simple yet extreme objects in the universe.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is centered around the core structure of a black hole, specifically a Schwarzschild black hole. According to our current understanding through the general theory of relativity, when a massive star collapses, it can form a black hole with a singularity at its center, where traditional physics breaks down. This singularity is described as a point of infinite density and zero volume, with spacetime ceasing to exist. Surrounding this singularity is the event horizon, the point of no return where the escape velocity exceeds the speed of light. However, there remains uncertainty about the true nature of the singularity because it necessitates the unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics, a feat not yet achieved by physicists. Nonetheless, black holes are now accepted as real objects in our universe, confirmed by observations and tests of Einstein's general relativity.

Answer 2

A black hole, specifically a Schwarzschild black hole, is believed to contain a singularity, an infinitely dense point where spacetime ceases to exist and the laws of physics break down. The observable features of black holes are defined by general relativity, but a fully descriptive theory of quantum gravity is still needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to what constitutes the interior of a black hole, specifically a Schwarzschild black hole, which is a non-rotating black hole. According to our current understanding, which combines insights from general relativity and quantum mechanics, a black hole is believed to contain a singularity. A singularity is a point of zero volume and infinite density where the laws of physics as we know them break down, and spacetime ceases to exist. However, this picture is incomplete, as we do not have a unified theory of quantum gravity to fully describe the behavior of matter and spacetime under such extreme conditions. While scientists have not yet been able to describe precisely what happens at the singularity, the observable characteristics of black holes, such as their event horizon beyond which nothing can escape, are well-defined by Einstein's theory of general relativity.