Can black holes absorb gravity waves?

In summary, black holes are capable of generating gravity waves and may have the ability to disrupt other black holes they encounter. However, it is unlikely that gravity waves can be absorbed by black holes due to their immense gravitational pull. These waves could potentially fragment a black hole into smaller pieces, creating pockets of lower gravity that could allow matter and energy to escape. However, it is uncertain if this is a likely scenario.
  • #1
brainstorm
568
0
From what I understand, black holes can generate gravity-waves in orbit with each other. But can they absorb them? Since gravity waves travel at the speed of light, I would think that they would not be able to escape BH gravitation. But since they are so massive and powerful, I wonder if they do not have the ability to disrupt a black hole they encounter by virtue of radically distorting the very space of the black hole itself. Could gravity waves be the means through which matter-energy is liberated from black-hole entrapment? Could gravity waves fragment a black hole into multiple pieces, which through mutual gravitation create spatial pockets with low-enough gravity to allow energy and matter to escape, at least for a moment?
 
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  • #2
Yes, no, no, no and no.
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
Yes, no, no, no and no.

Well, what would happen, then, if a gravity wave with the strength of a black hole would pass through another black hole of lesser strength?
 

FAQ: Can black holes absorb gravity waves?

1. Can black holes actually absorb gravity waves?

Yes, black holes are capable of absorbing gravity waves, as they are a natural consequence of Einstein's theory of general relativity. This theory predicts that any object with mass can create ripples in the fabric of spacetime, which we call gravity waves.

2. How do black holes absorb gravity waves?

When a gravity wave passes through a black hole, it causes the space around the black hole to stretch and compress. This distortion of spacetime causes the black hole to absorb the gravity wave and gain a small amount of energy and mass in the process.

3. Can gravity waves escape from a black hole?

No, once a gravity wave is absorbed by a black hole, it cannot escape. This is because the gravitational pull of a black hole is so strong that it traps everything, including light, within its event horizon.

4. How do scientists detect gravity waves from black holes?

Scientists detect gravity waves using specialized instruments called interferometers. These instruments measure tiny changes in the distance between two objects caused by a passing gravity wave.

5. Can gravity waves be used to study black holes?

Yes, the detection of gravity waves can provide valuable information about black holes, such as their mass, spin, and distance from Earth. Studying the characteristics of gravity waves can also help us better understand the behavior of black holes.

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