Which event triggers the start of a black hole formation
The most common trigger for the formation of a black hole is the gravitational collapse of a massive star at the end of its lifecycle. When a very massive star (about 20 times or more the mass of our Sun) runs out of fuel, it can no longer sustain the inward pressure due to nuclear fusion in its core, and gravity takes over, causing the star to collapse under its own weight. As the star collapses, its outer layers are ejected in a supernova explosion, while its core continues to collapse further under the influence of gravity, ultimately forming a black hole.
The formation of a black hole is triggered by the collapse of a massive star. When a very massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it undergoes a gravitational collapse due to its own immense gravity. This collapse occurs when the outward pressure of the nuclear reactions can no longer counterbalance the inward gravitational force. As a result, the star's core collapses inwards, creating a supernova explosion. If the mass of the collapsing core is greater than a specific value called the Chandrasekhar limit (about 1.4 times the mass of our Sun), the core collapses further into a singularity, creating a black hole.
The start of a black hole formation is triggered by the gravitational collapse of a massive star. When a massive star, typically several times more massive than our Sun, exhausts its nuclear fuel, it can no longer generate the energy necessary to counteract its own gravitational force. As a result, the star's core collapses inward due to gravity.
To understand how this process occurs, let's break it down:
1. Stellar Evolution: A star begins its life through the fusion of hydrogen into helium in its core, producing energy that counteracts the force of gravity and maintains the star's stability.
2. Nuclear Fuel Depletion: Over time, as nuclear fusion continues, the star consumes its hydrogen fuel. The core contracts, and the star begins burning helium into heavier elements, like carbon, oxygen, and so on.
3. Iron Core Formation: When the star reaches the later stages of its evolution, it forms an iron core. Unlike previous fusion processes, the fusion of iron does not provide enough energy to support the star against gravity.
4. Core Collapse: At this point, the core collapses under its own weight. The infalling matter releases an enormous amount of gravitational potential energy, causing a supernova explosion.
5. Supernova: The core collapse triggers a violent explosion known as a supernova. The outer layers of the star are expelled into space, leaving behind the collapsed core.
6. Event Horizon Formation: If the core's mass is significantly higher than about three times the mass of our Sun, the remaining core material, called a stellar remnant, collapses further, forming a black hole. The enormous gravitational force created by this intense concentration of mass causes the formation of an event horizon, a boundary beyond which nothing, including light, can escape.
So, in summary, the start of a black hole formation is triggered by the gravitational collapse of a massive star, resulting in a supernova explosion and the subsequent collapse of the stellar remnant to form a black hole.