- #36
PeterDonis
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The OP question has been answered, and this thread is closed.
The paradox about black hole evaporation is a contradiction between two theories: general relativity and quantum mechanics. According to general relativity, black holes have an event horizon from which nothing, including light, can escape. However, according to quantum mechanics, black holes should slowly evaporate over time due to Hawking radiation.
Hawking radiation is a theoretical process in which black holes emit particles and lose mass over time. This contradicts the idea that nothing can escape a black hole's event horizon. If Hawking radiation is true, then black holes should eventually evaporate completely, which goes against the idea of an event horizon.
One proposed solution is that Hawking radiation is not actually emitted from the black hole, but rather from the event horizon itself. This would allow the black hole to continue to exist while still emitting particles. Another solution is that information about particles that fall into a black hole is not destroyed, but rather encoded into the Hawking radiation, preserving the laws of quantum mechanics.
The paradox highlights the limitations of our current understanding of the universe and the need for a theory that can reconcile general relativity and quantum mechanics. It also raises questions about the nature of space, time, and information in the presence of black holes.
There are ongoing experiments and observations, such as the Event Horizon Telescope project, that aim to directly observe black holes and their surroundings. These observations could provide valuable insights into the behavior of black holes and potentially help resolve the paradox about black hole evaporation.