An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 17.19

Close Binary Star Systems — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · black-holes-cosmic-censorship

Problem

An electron is a point-like particle of zero radius, so it is natural to wonder whether an electron could be a black hole. However, a black hole of mass MM cannot have an arbitrary amount of angular momentum LL and charge QQ. These values must satisfy an inequality, (GMc)2≥G(Qc)2+(LM)2.\left(\frac{GM}{c}\right)^2 \geq G\left(\frac{Q}{c}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{L}{M}\right)^2. If this inequality were violated, the singularity would be found outside the event horizon, in violation of the Law of Cosmic Censorship. Use ℏ/2\hbar/2 for the electron's angular momentum to determine whether or not an electron is a black hole.

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