Does captured light increase a black hole's mass?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of captured light on a black hole's mass, specifically whether the mass of a black hole increases when it captures a photon. The scope includes theoretical implications of energy conservation, general relativity, and the nature of black holes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the fate of a photon captured by a black hole, wondering if it contributes to the black hole's mass or if it can escape later through Hawking radiation.
  • Another participant asserts that according to E=mc², the energy of the captured photon does increase the black hole's mass.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that the photon loses its identity upon entering the black hole, becoming part of the black hole's mass and not escaping as itself.
  • One participant reiterates the E=mc² argument, emphasizing that in the context of general relativity, photons contribute to the mass-energy of the black hole, affecting its gravitational influence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a general agreement among participants that captured energy increases a black hole's mass, but the discussion includes varying interpretations of how this process occurs and the implications of photon identity.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference concepts from general relativity and energy conservation, but there are unresolved nuances regarding the nature of mass-energy and the fate of photons in black holes.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in black hole physics, energy conservation principles, and the implications of general relativity may find this discussion relevant.

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As energy cannot be created or destroyed, what happens to a black hole that captures a photon? Does the black hole's mass increase by the energy of the photon? Or is the photon simply trapped there, and then escape when the black hole finally evaporates from hawking radiation?

Or something else entirely?
 
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E=mc2 so yes captured energy does increase a BH's mass
 
The photon looses its identity upon entering the Black Hole. It is lumped into the Black Hole's mass and will not come out again as itself so far as we know.

Hope that helps :p
 
Mordred said:
E=mc2 so yes captured energy does increase a BH's mass

Just a comment, General Relativity uses "mass-energy" and a source to cause "curvature" in space-time (or if you like it better this way: a source of "gravity")

Therefore, yes, photons, as they carrying energy, they will increase the mass-energy of the black hole. (and therefore it's gravity)
 

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