Question

Who solved the problem of gravitational collapse and how?

A) Albert Einstein - with the theory of relativity
B) Isaac Newton - with the law of universal gravitation
C) Stephen Hawking - with black hole thermodynamics
D) Galileo Galilei - with the discovery of telescopic observations

Answer 1

Albert Einstein solved the problem of gravitational collapse with his theory of general relativity, which describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime created by mass. His predictions include the confirmation of gravitational waves, and his work built upon earlier contributions from figures like Sir Isaac Newton.

Step-by-step explanation:

The problem of gravitational collapse and understanding gravity has been addressed by various scientists throughout history. Albert Einstein, with his theory of general relativity, profoundly changed our understanding of gravity, describing it as a manifestation of mass warping space and time. This theory predicted many phenomena, including gravitational waves from the merger of two black holes, which were confirmed in 2015.

Previously, Sir Isaac Newton had defined the gravitational force, formulating his law of universal gravitation, which was used to explain both falling bodies and astronomical motions. Galileo Galilei had speculated that a single force was behind these phenomena, and Newton’s work, later articulated mathematically, confirmed this, describing motion of heavenly bodies as conic sections: circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.

Stephen Hawking's work in black hole thermodynamics evolved our understanding of gravitational collapse further, particularly in extreme environments like black holes. Meanwhile, Galileo Galilei did not directly solve the problem of gravitational collapse but made significant contributions to the understanding of gravity with telescopic observations that helped pave the way for further developments.