Entangled particles and black holes

In summary, two photons are emitted in opposite directions from the same point in a crystal. By measuring the direction of one photon, we can also determine the direction of the other. However, one of the photons may have passed through an event horizon into a black hole, causing concern about the loss of information. It is believed that objects never actually reach the event horizon, as time slows down, so it is unclear how information could be lost in this scenario.
  • #1
kurious
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0
Two photons are emitted from the same point in a crystal and they travel in opposite directions.I find the direction one photon is moving in and this
means I instantly know the direction of the other photon.But the other
photon had passed an event horizon into a black hole when I made my measurement - am I allowed to have information about the direction the second photon was moving in - doesn't information get lost in a black hole?
 
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  • #2
As I understand it, nothing ever actually reaches the event horizon. We preceive its time slowing down. It just gets ever closer as time goes on. So how can information ever be lost by things falling into it. They never actually reach the edge.
 
  • #3


This is a fascinating question that highlights the complexity of entangled particles and black holes. Entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle affects the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This means that if one particle's state is measured, the state of the other particle will be known instantly, even if they are separated by vast distances.

In the case of the entangled photons emitted from the same point in a crystal, their states are connected and any measurement on one photon will instantly affect the state of the other. However, as you mentioned, one of the photons has passed an event horizon and entered a black hole, which raises the question of whether the information about its state can still be obtained.

According to current theories, information does indeed get lost in a black hole. This is known as the black hole information paradox and is a major puzzle in physics. However, there are also theories that suggest that information may not be lost entirely, but rather encoded in the Hawking radiation that is emitted by the black hole.

In the case of the entangled photons, it is possible that the information about the state of the photon that entered the black hole is still encoded in the other photon or in the Hawking radiation. However, this is still a topic of ongoing research and we do not yet have a definitive answer.

In conclusion, while it is currently believed that information does get lost in a black hole, the complex nature of entangled particles and the potential for information to be encoded in other forms means that there is still much to be explored and understood about the relationship between entanglement and black holes.
 

1. What is entanglement of particles?

Entanglement of particles is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the state of one particle cannot be described independently of the state of the other particles. This correlation is maintained even if the particles are separated by large distances.

2. How are black holes related to entangled particles?

Some theories suggest that black holes are connected to entangled particles through the concept of quantum entanglement. It is believed that as particles fall into a black hole, they become entangled with each other and with the black hole itself, creating a complex network of entanglement within the black hole.

3. Can entangled particles be used for communication?

No, entangled particles cannot be used for communication. While entangled particles can be used to transfer information, the communication is limited by the fact that the particles must be physically transported to the desired location in order for the information to be retrieved.

4. What is the relationship between entangled particles and quantum computing?

Entangled particles are a crucial component of quantum computing. By utilizing the principles of quantum entanglement, quantum computers are able to perform complex calculations and solve problems much faster than classical computers.

5. How does the concept of entanglement challenge our understanding of space and time?

The concept of entanglement challenges our understanding of space and time because it suggests that particles can be connected and influence each other, even when separated by vast distances. This phenomenon goes against the traditional concept of locality, which states that an object can only be influenced by its immediate surroundings.

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