Let’s start at the beginning. The most basic, undeniable principles. Then let's build carefully toward the singularity-free black hole solution.
The unshakable bedrock is Einstein’s field equation of General Relativity (GR):
\[ G_{\mu\nu} \;=\; \frac{8\pi G}{c^4}\, T_{\mu\nu}. \]
This equation is enforced by math + observation:
So, Step 1: The geometry of spacetime is directly determined by matter and energy.
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 |