What is Stephen Hawking’s black hole paradox?
Introduction
Stephen Hawking was one of the greatest minds of our time, known for his contributions to theoretical physics and cosmology. One of his most famous contributions was the idea that black holes emit radiation, now known as Hawking radiation. However, this idea led to a paradox that has baffled scientists for decades – until now.
The Black Hole Paradox
According to Hawking’s theory, black holes should emit radiation due to the quantum phenomena occurring at its boundary, known as the event horizon. This radiation would cause the black hole to lose mass and eventually evaporate over time. However, this contradicts the laws of thermodynamics, which state that no system can emit radiation and lose mass without also losing entropy.
This paradox has puzzled scientists for years, but a recent study may have finally found a solution.
The Solution
The solution lies in a phenomenon known as entanglement, where two particles become correlated in such a way that any change to one particle affects the other, no matter how far apart they are. The researchers propose that this entanglement could be what prevents the black hole from losing entropy as it emits radiation.
They suggest that the Hawking radiation is entangled with the black hole, creating a “soft hair” that preserves the black hole’s entropy. This means that the black hole can continue emitting radiation without violating the laws of thermodynamics.
Conclusion
This proposed solution to the black hole paradox is a major breakthrough in our understanding of the universe. It not only solves a decades-old conundrum but also sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon of entanglement. It is a testament to the brilliance of Stephen Hawking, whose legacy continues to inspire and challenge us.
Sources:
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-020-0994-0
- https://www.space.com/stephen-hawking-black-hole-soft-hair-solution.html
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