What is the basic definition of a black hole?
A)any compact mass that emits no light
B)a dead star that has faded from view
C)any object from which the escape velocity exceeds the speed of light
D)any object made from dark matter
E)a dead galactic nucleus that can only be viewed in infrared

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A black hole is defined as any object from which the escape velocity exceeds the speed of light. This means that anything, including light, that comes too close to the black hole will be pulled in and cannot escape.

Note: Choices A, B, D, and E are all incorrect as they do not encompass the full definition of a black hole. While it is true that a black hole emits no light, it is not the defining characteristic. Dead stars may become black holes, but not all black holes are dead stars. Dark matter has nothing to do with the definition of a black hole, and not all galactic nuclei that can only be viewed in infrared are dead.

What Is the Basic Definition of a Black Hole