Can We Make Contact with an Anti-Matter Black Hole?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theoretical existence of antimatter black holes and the implications of their interactions with matter black holes. Participants explore the physical feasibility, properties, and potential energy release during collisions between these two types of black holes, as well as the broader implications for our understanding of the universe.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether antimatter black holes exist or if they are unphysical, suggesting that the lack of antimatter in our universe makes their existence unlikely.
  • Others propose that in a hypothetical antimatter universe, antimatter black holes could form, with properties similar to those of matter black holes.
  • A participant notes that if antimatter and matter black holes were to collide, the energy released could be significant, but questions remain about the visibility of such events.
  • Some argue that once a black hole is formed, it is characterized solely by mass, charge, and spin, regardless of whether it is made of matter or antimatter.
  • There is a suggestion that the properties of matter become indistinguishable within a black hole, supporting the idea that antimatter and matter black holes would behave similarly once formed.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of conducting experiments to observe these phenomena due to funding and political challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of skepticism and theoretical exploration regarding the existence of antimatter black holes. While some agree on the indistinguishable nature of black holes formed from matter or antimatter, others emphasize the challenges posed by the current state of antimatter in the universe. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on theoretical frameworks and the unresolved nature of the existence of antimatter in sufficient quantities to form black holes. The discussion also reflects uncertainties about the implications of black hole collisions and the visibility of their effects.

chasrob
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Is there any such thing? Or is it unphysical?

If it's physical, would making contact with a matter black hole result in E=mc^2?

Thanks.
 
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chasrob said:
Is there any such thing? Or is it unphysical?

If it's physical, would making contact with a matter black hole result in E=mc^2?

It's highly unlikely. In case of contact with matter (black hole or not), the reaction would take place inside, so we would never know.
 
Seems unphysical in this universe. not enough loose antimatter to go around.

But in an anti matter universe, perhaps so.

wiki answers sez:

What is an antimatter black hole?
Answer:
This is a black hole formed from antimatter, instead of matter. The only real difference thereby being that the matter within the black hole would have an opposite charge from normal matter. Other than that, an antimatter black hole, while still theoretical at this point, should have properties the same as a black hole formed from 'normal' matter.
As with a normal black hole, an antimatter black hole would be created by having enough antimatter to cause a gravitational collapse.
 
If an antimatter and a matter black hole collided, how much energy would be released?? Would it be enough to eject the gamma rays from the gravitational well?
 
You would never have an anti matter BH in a matter dominant universe. So the two would never collide.
An anti-matter BH could only form in a theoretical anti-matter universe.
google baryogenesis for more info.
 
mathman said:
It's highly unlikely. In case of contact with matter (black hole or not), the reaction would take place inside, so we would never know.

Say a solar mass BH and antiBH were involved... several FOEs of energy released, and we see nothing? Wow, hard to believe.
 
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Let's drop the answer that there isn't antimatter in high enough concentrations to produce black holes in our universe. That's irrelevant.

Once you've formed the black hole, it has exactly three properties: Mass, charge, and spin. Whether you make it out of matter, antimatter, or unicorns, these three numbers completely describe it. So you can make a BH of antimatter and one of matter with the same mass, charge and spin and they will be IDENTICAL.

If two collide, they will do what black holes do and merge into one larger black hole. I repeat, once you've formed the black hole it's just a black hole -- no special properties besides mass, charge, and spin remain.
 
The properties of matter will be crushed out of existence in a black hole, so they will not be distinguishable one from the other. In other words, I agree with Nabeshin.
 
chasrob said:
Say a solar mass BH and antiBH were involved... several FOEs of energy released, and we see nothing? Wow, hard to believe.

Yep, that's how it works, as far as anyone knows. In the current political climate it's difficult to acquire funds for the experiment.
 

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