Black Hole Radiation: Stephen Hawking's Theory Explained

In summary, physicist Stephen Hawking theorized that black holes can emit radiation due to the creation of particle/antiparticle pairs. These particles are constantly being generated throughout the black hole, including near the event horizon where the intense gravitational attraction can allow for one particle to escape while the other is pulled in. This theory is still being studied and refined, and the exact mechanism of how these particles escape is still not fully understood.
  • #1
AbsoluteZer0
125
1
Hi,

According to Stephen Hawking, it is theoretically possible for black holes to emit radiation. How is this so? As I understand, please correct me if I'm wrong, it has to do with the creation of particle/antiparticle pairs. Are these particles generated as a result of the intense gravitational attraction near the event horizon? (Does the gravitational attraction near the event horizon differ at all from the other locations in the black hole?) If the above is correct, do the particles escape through tunneling?

Thanks,
 
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  • #2
Are these particles generated as a result of the intense gravitational attraction near the event horizon?
They are "generated" everywhere and all the time* - they are responsible for the Casimir effect, too, for example, which can be measured here on Earth and without any gravity.

Close to the event horizon, one particle might pass the horizon - the other particle outside cannot "see" it any more to annihilate and there is a chance that it can escape. Don't take this analogy too far.

*that view is problematic itself, but it works here.
 

Related to Black Hole Radiation: Stephen Hawking's Theory Explained

What is black hole radiation?

Black hole radiation, also known as Hawking radiation, is a theoretical phenomenon proposed by physicist Stephen Hawking. It suggests that black holes emit radiation due to quantum effects near the event horizon.

How does black hole radiation occur?

According to Hawking's theory, in the vacuum of space, particles and antiparticles are constantly created and destroyed. Near the event horizon of a black hole, one particle may fall in while the other escapes, resulting in a net emission of radiation.

Can black holes eventually evaporate due to radiation?

Yes, according to Hawking's theory, black holes can slowly evaporate over time due to the constant emission of radiation. This process is more significant for smaller black holes, which emit more radiation than larger black holes.

How does Hawking's theory of black hole radiation relate to the laws of thermodynamics?

Hawking's theory of black hole radiation is based on the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. This aligns with the first law of thermodynamics. Additionally, the radiation emitted by black holes has a temperature, which relates to the second law of thermodynamics.

Has Hawking's theory of black hole radiation been proven?

While Hawking's theory of black hole radiation is widely accepted by the scientific community, it has not been directly observed or proven. However, some indirect evidence, such as the detection of gamma-ray bursts near black holes, supports the theory.

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