Does a black hole have mass?

Yes, a black hole does have mass. Here are some key points that clarify this:

Mass as a Fundamental Property

Black holes are characterized by their mass, which is one of the three independent physical properties that define them, along with electric charge and angular momentum23.

Formation and Mass Range

Black holes form from the gravitational collapse of massive objects, such as stars. Stellar-mass black holes, for example, have masses ranging from about 3 to 50 times the mass of the Sun. Supermassive black holes, found at the centers of galaxies, have masses millions to billions of times that of the Sun123.

Gravitational Effects

The mass of a black hole is responsible for its incredibly strong gravitational pull. This gravity is so strong that it warps spacetime in such a way that not even light can escape once it falls within a certain radius, known as the event horizon134.

Growth Through Mass Absorption

After formation, black holes can grow by absorbing mass from their surroundings, including other stars and black holes. This process increases their mass and, consequently, their gravitational pull34.

In summary, the mass of a black hole is a critical aspect of its nature, influencing its gravitational force, size, and overall behavior.