Nuclear Fusion in the Singularity

In summary, "Nuclear Fusion in the Singularity" explores the potential of nuclear fusion as a transformative energy source in the context of technological singularity. It discusses the advancements in fusion technology, the challenges that remain for practical implementation, and the implications of achieving sustainable fusion energy. The text emphasizes how successful fusion could drive exponential growth in energy production, contribute to solving climate change, and support the accelerating pace of technological development, ultimately shaping a future where energy scarcity is alleviated.
  • #1
Th_Kramer
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TL;DR Summary
I'm wondering if it would be possible to have nuclear fusion of very heavy atoms in the singularity of a black hole, and as a bonus, another question about a hypothetical situation.
Would it be possible for Black Holes to undergo nuclear fusion of materials with very high atomic numbers (above 118 or the majority of known atoms) in their singularity, producing any signs, including photons across the spectrum? Furthermore, I was thinking aloud and wondering, what prevents the contained energy from becoming so immense that at some point in this fusion, black holes end up causing a kind of 'supernova' and scattering their matter around?
 
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  • #2
The singularity is not a place, it is more like a moment in the future.
 
  • #3
Stars can do it and it can happen in the accretion disk of a black hole. See this.
 
  • #4
The singularity is a mathematical concept, not a physical one. But even if it were a physical one, as @Orodruin points out, it is more like a time than a place.

Since no information can ever get out, how could we possibly tell? And if we can't tell, how do we investigate it scientifically?
 
  • #5
You're probably thinking of the singularity as a point of infinite density. Unfortunately, this is a very wrong picture of what the singularity inside a black hole is - as others have noted, it's more like a moment in time than a place in space.

Is it possible that super-heavy elements form inside a black hole from collisions between infalling matter? Possibly - not very likely, IMO. Accretion discs and stars seem more likely candidates. It'd all be ripped apart again before reaching the singularity anyway. And no, transforming energy from one form to another changes nothing about the black hole.
 
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  • #6
Th_Kramer said:
Would it be possible for Black Holes to undergo nuclear fusion of materials with very high atomic numbers (above 118 or the majority of known atoms) in their singularity, producing any signs, including photons across the spectrum?
What happens when you feed a neutron star, and is that fusion?
What is the atomic weight of a neutron star?
 
  • #7
Baluncore said:
What happens when you feed a neutron star, and is that fusion?
What is the atomic weight of a neutron star?
Atoms do not exist in the core of a neutron star. It's mostly smushed together neutrons plus some protons, electrons, kaons.

When hydrogen falls onto the surface it accumulates until there is a starwide thermonuclear explosion as it fuses. Eventually it fuses to iron I guess. Further down in the mantle are heavier elements. This is where uranium, gold, etc come from
 
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  • #8
What does QFT say about "spaghettified" quantum fields?
 

FAQ: Nuclear Fusion in the Singularity

What is nuclear fusion in the singularity?

Nuclear fusion in the singularity refers to the theoretical concept of nuclear fusion processes occurring in an environment with extremely high gravitational forces, such as those found near or within a black hole's event horizon. This concept explores the behavior of fusion reactions under extreme conditions where the density and temperature are significantly higher than those found in typical stellar environments.

How does nuclear fusion in the singularity differ from fusion in stars?

In stars, nuclear fusion occurs at high temperatures and pressures in a relatively stable environment, primarily converting hydrogen into helium through processes like the proton-proton chain or the CNO cycle. In the singularity, the conditions are far more extreme, with intense gravitational forces and potentially higher densities and temperatures, which could lead to different fusion pathways and rates of reaction. Additionally, the extreme curvature of spacetime in a singularity could influence the behavior of particles in ways that are not observed in stellar fusion.

Is it possible to observe nuclear fusion in a singularity?

Direct observation of nuclear fusion in a singularity is currently beyond our technological capabilities. The event horizon of a black hole prevents any information from escaping, making it impossible to directly observe processes occurring within it. However, scientists can study the effects and emissions from the regions surrounding black holes, such as accretion disks and relativistic jets, to infer the possible activities and reactions occurring near the singularity.

What are the potential implications of understanding nuclear fusion in the singularity?

Understanding nuclear fusion in the singularity could provide insights into fundamental physics, including the behavior of matter and energy under extreme conditions, the nature of black holes, and the limits of current physical theories like general relativity and quantum mechanics. This knowledge could also have implications for astrophysics, cosmology, and potentially lead to new technologies or energy sources if we can harness similar processes in a controlled manner.

What challenges do scientists face in studying nuclear fusion in the singularity?

The primary challenges include the inability to directly observe or experiment with singularities, the extreme conditions that are difficult to replicate or simulate, and the need for a unified theory that reconciles general relativity and quantum mechanics. Additionally, the mathematical complexity and the lack of empirical data make it challenging to develop accurate models and predictions. Advances in observational technology, computational methods, and theoretical physics are essential to overcoming these challenges.

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