Black hole lifespan, what happens in the end?

In summary, a black hole's lifespan is essentially infinite and it will continue to exist until it evaporates due to Hawking radiation. At the end of its life, a black hole will explode in a massive burst of energy known as a "black hole explosion". Eventually, a black hole will completely disappear due to Hawking radiation, but this process is incredibly slow and would take much longer than the current age of the universe. Matter that falls into a black hole is pulled into its singularity and essentially destroyed. A black hole cannot die before it reaches the end of its life, but it can merge with other black holes, potentially creating a larger black hole with a longer lifespan.
  • #1
jadrian
143
0
ive read they will last 10^100 years before heating up and exploding
is this correct?
 
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  • #2
I don't have the quantitative information, but it depends on size. Large black holes last a lot longer than small ones.
 

1. How long does a black hole live?

A black hole's lifespan is essentially infinite. It will continue to exist until it evaporates due to Hawking radiation, which is a very slow process that can take trillions of years for a black hole with the mass of our Sun.

2. What happens to a black hole at the end of its life?

As a black hole's mass decreases due to Hawking radiation, it will eventually reach a point where it can no longer sustain its own gravity. At this point, it will explode in a massive burst of energy known as a "black hole explosion".

3. Will a black hole ever disappear completely?

Yes, eventually a black hole will completely evaporate due to Hawking radiation. However, this process is incredibly slow and would take much longer than the current age of the universe.

4. What happens to matter that falls into a black hole?

Any matter that falls into a black hole is pulled into its singularity, the point of infinite density and gravity at the center. This matter is essentially destroyed and cannot escape the black hole's intense gravity.

5. Can a black hole die before it reaches its "end of life"?

No, a black hole cannot die before it reaches the end of its life. It will continue to exist and slowly evaporate until it reaches its final explosion. However, black holes can merge with each other, potentially creating a larger black hole with a longer lifespan.

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