What is a Black Hole?

• A. A bright star
• B. A radiation source in space
• C. A region of space resulting from the collapse of a star
• D. A planet with strong gravity

Answer: (C)

A black hole is a region of space with gravity so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. This extreme gravity happens when a very massive star collapses under its own gravity at the end of its life, squeezing its mass into a tiny region. The boundary around it, the event horizon, marks where escape becomes impossible. Because light can’t escape, a black hole doesn’t shine like a star, isn’t a radiation source, and isn’t a planet. The description that best fits is a region of space formed from the collapse of a star, which is exactly what creates a black hole.