is it true....?

Question

That if we prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that black holes exist, that we also prove general relativity? This is rationalized by the fact that according to general relativity, black holes are predicted, meaning if we find black holes, general relativity is correct.

Answer 1

Black holes have already been observed indirectly. General Relativity predicts a lot of things that have been observed in nature, but relativity hasn't moved beyond the status of "theory" to the status of "law", because proof of one aspect of relativity doesn't prove the entire theory. In fact, much of Einstein's relativism breaks down beyond the event horizon of a black hole and on the quantum scale.

Einstein also predicted the effect of "Frame dragging" caused by black holes on spacetime. Evidence of frame dragging was seen in disks of gas swirling around a black hole observed in 1997 by X-ray satellites.

Answer 2

There is no proof that black holes exist,in fact there are some very good reasons to doubt their existence.
General relativity is a theory that does not depend on the existence of black holes.
General relativity may have some flaws
[maybe interpretation]but it will probably survive the test of time.

Answer 3

It is impossible to prove a theory in physics correct. Each time its predictions agree with observed fact we can be more confidant in it but it only takes one failure to disprove a theory. In fact, it is probably that the general theory of relativity is only a near approximation to the truth as there are certain aspects of the universe that do not satisfy the predictions of relativity. When approaching a singularity, like a black hole, the general theory of relativity predicts that all physical laws break down including the general theory of relativity. It is in those situations that you have to turn to quantum theory. So, the general theory of relativity is a good, workable approximation to use in most circumstances but it is not the whole truth of the universe. For that, look at quantum theory, string theory, supergravity, p-branes and so on.

Answer 4

We are making black holes and will make better ones this year. By experimenting with blackholes through creation of mircoscopic ones we will see MAJOR MAJOR break throughs in answers to the universe in the next couple years. Right now there is only theories and theories don't get much funding, obviously.

Now if we know answers there will be tons of funding to create results from the answers.

Answer 5

In flat (euclidian) space, bodies move in a background of space and time. Newton called it absolute space and absolute time. Einstein changed this view radically in 1915 when he completed his general theory of relativity which resulted in a unified 4-dimensional space-time. All distances along a world line are called separations.

Answer 6

No.

Proof doesn't work that way.

There is *no* once-for-all over-arching observation that cinches the whole theory. Black holes are just a piece of the picture.

Answer 7

General relativity has already been proven in other ways but this would be one more piece of evidence.

Answer 8

There is no way of proving it that simply. It'll still be just a theory because there is alot more to it than that. you need to read more about it.

Answer 9

Larry: [to Jennings, while high] Okay. That means that our whole solar system could be, like one tiny atom in the fingernail of some other giant being. [Jennings nods] This is too much! That means one tiny atom in my fingernail could be--
Jennings: Could be one little tiny universe.
Larry: Could I buy some pot from you?