Unraveling the Mystery of Information in Black Holes

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of "information" in relation to black holes, emphasizing its significance alongside mass and energy from both quantum mechanics and general relativity perspectives. Participants clarify that "information" pertains to the constituents of matter falling into black holes, such as charge, matter, and radiation. The conversation highlights the observer-dependent nature of mass and particle number, referencing the work of Jacob Bekenstein and the Bekenstein bound, which limits the information that can be stored in a finite region of space. Additionally, Leonard Susskind's contributions to the holographic principle are noted as essential for further understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and general relativity
  • Familiarity with black hole thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of the Bekenstein bound
  • Concept of the holographic principle
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Jacob Bekenstein's contributions to black hole thermodynamics
  • Explore the implications of the Bekenstein bound on information storage
  • Study Leonard Susskind's work on the holographic principle
  • Investigate the observer-dependent nature of particle number in quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, astrophysicists, and students of theoretical physics interested in the intersection of information theory and black hole physics.

bugatti79
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Hi Folks,

Can somenone explain what "information" is with respect to black holes?

I thought it was all about mass and energy from both quantum Mechanics and GR perspective.

Why does "information" come into it...sounds unusual to say the least.

Thanks
B
 
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bugatti79 said:
I thought it was all about mass and energy from both quantum Mechanics and GR perspective.

It is. "information" references the constituents making up matter that falls in, charge, matter, radiation, photons,etc.

In addition, 'mass' or, 'particle number', is observer-dependent. The 'particle number' operator for an accelerated observer is different from the particle number operator for an inertial observer. Of course that's also true for the vacuum outside a black hole.

You can find more on 'information' here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Bekenstein

"Based on his black-hole thermodynamics work, Bekenstein also demonstrated the Bekenstein bound: there is a maximum to the amount of information that can potentially be stored in a given finite region of space which has a finite amount of energy (which is similar to theholographic principle).

Check Leonard Susskind, and the holographic principle for additional insights.
 
Thanks for the link!
 

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