English

Relativistic Virial Theorem, Limiting Compactness, and the end state of gravitational collapse

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology 2025-05-15 v2

Abstract

It is noteworthy that limiting compactness of a static bounded configuration is characterized by a general principle: \textit{one, by equipartition of mass between inside and outside, and the other by vanishing of energy inside.} The former implies gravitational energy being half of mass leading to limiting compactness M/R=4/9M/R = 4/9 of Buchdahl star while for the latter, the two are equal giving M/R=1/2M/R = 1/2 of black hole with horizon. \emph{This is the relativistic Virial theorem respectively for massive and massless particles.} It is remarkable that it prescribes that there can exist only two equilibrium states which also define limiting compactness of the object. Consequently, it leads to a profound prediction that the ultimate endproduct of gravitational collapse could only be one of the two, Buchdahl star or black hole.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2504.00064,
  title  = {Relativistic Virial Theorem, Limiting Compactness, and the end state of gravitational collapse},
  author = {Naresh Dadhich},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.00064},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

13 pages, latex double space, Essay written for GRF2025. Received Honorable Mention in GRF 2025