Let’s start at the beginning. The most basic, undeniable principles. Then let's build carefully toward the singularity-free black hole solution.


1: Gravity’s Foundation. Einstein’s Equation

The unshakable bedrock is Einstein’s field equation of General Relativity (GR):

\[ G_{\mu\nu} \;=\; \frac{8\pi G}{c^4}\, T_{\mu\nu}. \]

  • The left-hand side encodes the geometry of spacetime through the Einstein tensor \(G_{\mu\nu}\). It contains derivatives of the metric (the mathematical object that tells us how distances and times are measured).
  • The right-hand side encodes the matter and energy content through the stress–energy tensor \(T_{\mu\nu}\).
  • \(G\) is Newton’s gravitational constant, and \(c\) is the speed of light.

This equation is enforced by math + observation:

  • Mathematically, it’s the unique tensor equation that is local, second order in derivatives, and conserves energy–momentum (Noether’s theorem guarantees that the left side has zero divergence).
  • Observationally, it reduces to Newton’s law in the weak-field limit and has been tested in solar system dynamics, gravitational lensing, and gravitational waves.

So, Step 1: The geometry of spacetime is directly determined by matter and energy.


Glossary

Symbol / Term Meaning Value Metaphor
\(G_{\mu\nu}\) Einstein tensor (curvature of spacetime) Calculated from metric Like a “curvature map” of spacetime’s bends
\(T_{\mu\nu}\) Stress–energy tensor (matter + energy content) Physical input Like a detailed budget of energy, momentum, and pressure
\(G\) Newton’s gravitational constant \(6.67\times10^{-11}\,\text{N·m}^2/\text{kg}^2\) Sets the strength of the “glue” of gravity
\(c\) Speed of light \(3\times 10^8\) m/s Cosmic speed limit linking time and space
Metric \(g_{\mu\nu}\) Rule for measuring intervals in spacetime Variable solved by Einstein’s equation A ruler + stopwatch woven into one object