How Big Can Black Holes Grow?

The video explores the nature and growth of black holes, explaining how they accumulate mass through accretion and the limits imposed by gravitational forces. It introduces the concept of the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) and its role in black hole growth. Theoretical mass limits for black holes are discussed, along with the potential for growth through mergers. The video concludes with the idea that massive black holes can only grow by colliding with others.

What is the mass of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way compared to the Sun?

How do black holes grow and what is the misconception about their behavior?

What is the innermost stable circular orbit (Isco) and its significance in relation to black holes?

What happens to matter that is gravitationally attracted to itself rather than to a black hole?

What limits the growth of black holes and how can they become larger?