Virtual Particle Creation Rate Near an Event Horizon

In summary, our instructor discussed the peculiarity of black holes in class, specifically how virtual particles can be trapped or escape at the event horizon. The rate at which particles are created and ejected is determined by quantum field theory, which takes into account the finite interaction between the particles and the black hole's gravity. While the exact rate is still not fully understood, the theory predicts a finite rate of radiation.
  • #1
tampora
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In class, our instructor talked about a pecularity of black holes. When virtual particles come into existence for an instant at the event horizon, sometimes one is trapped by the black hole, while the other is able to escape.

My question is, what determines the rate at which particles are created and ejected? Specifically, how come some particular black hole results in the creation of 10 particles per second, instead of 1000?

It seems like "drawing something from nothing" in the case of particle/antiparticle pairs could happen at an infinite rate, so why does it settle at whatever rate it really is?
 
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  • #2
It's all about quantum field theory. While vacuum is constantly in this boiling state of particles and anti-particles, the rate at which something can actually interact with these, such as gravity of the black hole, is finite. Of course, there is connection between this rate and the quantity known as the biggest mistake of theoretical physics. So to say that it's completely understood would be a lie. But the theory still predicts a finite rate of radiation.
 

1. What is virtual particle creation rate near an event horizon?

The virtual particle creation rate near an event horizon refers to the phenomenon in which pairs of particles and antiparticles are spontaneously created near the event horizon of a black hole. These particles are called "virtual" because they exist for a very short period of time before annihilating each other.

2. How does the presence of an event horizon affect the virtual particle creation rate?

The presence of an event horizon increases the virtual particle creation rate due to the intense gravitational pull near the black hole. This strong gravitational field can provide the necessary energy for the creation of particle-antiparticle pairs.

3. Can virtual particles escape from the event horizon?

No, virtual particles cannot escape from the event horizon. They are created very close to the event horizon and are immediately pulled back in by the strong gravitational pull of the black hole. This means that they cannot be observed by an outside observer.

4. What happens to virtual particles when they are created near an event horizon?

When virtual particles are created near an event horizon, they can either annihilate each other or one of the particles can fall into the black hole while the other escapes. This process is known as Hawking radiation and it causes the black hole to slowly lose mass over time.

5. How does the temperature of a black hole relate to the virtual particle creation rate?

The temperature of a black hole is directly related to the virtual particle creation rate. As more particles are created and escape from the black hole, the temperature of the black hole increases. This is because the energy of the escaping particles contributes to the overall temperature of the black hole.

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