Black hole formation typically occurs through a series of steps that depend on the initial mass of the star. The following summary outlines the general process:
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Stellar Evolution: A massive star (typically at least 20 times the mass of the Sun) undergoes nuclear fusion, converting hydrogen into helium and later into heavier elements in its core.
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Core Collapse: Once the star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it can no longer generate enough energy to counteract gravitational forces. The core collapses under its own gravity, leading to an increase in temperature and pressure.
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Supernova Explosion: If the star is massive enough, the collapse can result in a supernova explosion. This explosion expels the outer layers of the star into space, while the core continues to collapse.
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Formation of the Black Hole: If the remaining core after the supernova has a mass greater than about 2-3 solar masses, it will continue collapsing into a singularity, resulting in the formation of a black hole.
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Event Horizon Creation: As the core collapses, it forms an event horizon—the boundary beyond which nothing can escape the gravitational pull of the black hole.
These steps summarize the typical process of black hole formation through stellar collapse. Other mechanisms, such as the merger of neutron stars, can also lead to black hole formation, but the outlined process is the most common route through stellar evolution.
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