In physics, we often say: “Only objects with mass have gravity” because mass affects the gravity of an object. But why can photons without mass be absorbed by black holes? This starts with the characteristics of photons. Photon is a kind of energy. It does not have mass like matter, but it has momentum and frequency. A black hole’s gravity is very strong. It bends space-time, which makes a light curve and gets pulled in, similar to water getting pulled into a whirlpool. Therefore, black holes do not generate gravity through the mass of objects but through the gravitational field they generate.
In fact, Einstein’s general theory of relativity also shows that the essence of gravity is the curvature of space and time. To put it bluntly, gravity does not actually exist. It is just a manifestation of the curvature of space and time.
Another theory suggests that even though photons don’t have mass, they still have some inertia and are affected by a black hole’s gravitational pull. This statement needs more scientific experiments to confirm.
Photons have no mass, but they can be absorbed by black holes. This is an interesting physics problem. Scholars have different views on this issue, but no matter what, this issue deserves our in-depth thinking. If you have any unique insights, please share them in the comment area!
