Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the theoretical concept of a black hole with a mass of 1/2 kilogram, exploring its radius and existence. Participants engage in calculations related to escape velocity and Hawking radiation, while considering various assumptions and conditions regarding black hole formation and longevity.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant proposes a calculation for the radius of a black hole based on escape velocity, suggesting that a mass of 1/2 kilograms could create a black hole with a radius of approximately 9*10^{-16} meters.
- Several participants express skepticism about the existence of a 1/2 kg black hole, with one noting that smaller black holes can exist but may evaporate quickly.
- Another participant claims that black holes can exist at any mass but would evaporate almost instantly, providing a calculation that suggests a 500-gram black hole would have a very short lifespan.
- A participant introduces the idea that environmental factors, such as cosmic radiation and dust, could prevent a small black hole from evaporating, suggesting that it could grow instead.
- One participant discusses the hypothetical scenario of a 1-gram black hole in a particle accelerator, arguing it would evaporate almost instantaneously due to its environment.
- A participant acknowledges an error in their earlier calculation regarding the escape velocity equation, noting the importance of including the gravitational constant (G) for accurate results.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally disagree on the existence and stability of a 1/2 kg black hole, with multiple competing views regarding its potential to exist and the factors influencing its evaporation or growth.
Contextual Notes
Discussions include assumptions about the environment in which black holes exist, the role of Hawking radiation, and the implications of using different equations for escape velocity. Some calculations are noted to be incomplete or corrected during the discussion.