Explain, with reference to the Schwarzschild radius, why the sun isn’t a black hole.

The Schwarzschild radius of the sun can be calculated using Rs= (2GM)/c2. Substitute in the mass of the sun (M=21030), the speed of light (c=3108), and the universal gravitational constant (G=6.67410-11). a radius of 2966.35m will be calculated
Comparing this to the actual radius of the sun (7
105km) it is seen that the real radius is much larder than the Schwarzschild radius. This means that the Schwarzschild zone ends within the sun! (I.e the sun would have to be <3000m in order to be a black hole.

LB
Answered by Libbie B. Physics tutor

4743 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is meant by 'resolving a vector into its components'?


As a student rubs his feet along the carpet in his living room, he becomes charged. After this he places his hand on a metal radiator and receives an electric shock. Explain what charge the student obtains, why, and why he receives a shock.


Draw a distance-time, speed-time, and acceleration-time graph for an object moving at a constant velocity of 5m/s for 10 seconds.


State Newton's 3 Laws in words and/or mathematically


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning