How Does Black Hole Entropy Increase When Starting with a Pure State?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the paradox of black hole entropy increasing when a pure state particle, with zero entropy, is absorbed by a black hole. It highlights that, according to the second law of thermodynamics, entropy cannot decrease, leading to the conclusion that the increase in black hole area corresponds to an increase in entropy. The conversation touches on the black hole information loss problem, which suggests a conflict between quantum mechanics and general relativity, particularly regarding the preservation of information. Participants emphasize that while information may seem lost in macroscopic processes, the principle of unitary time evolution in quantum mechanics should remain intact. This ongoing debate points to potential flaws in current theories of black holes and invites further exploration in specialized subforums.
touqra
Messages
284
Reaction score
0
Supposing I started off with a particle, which I know exactly the state it is in, hence, it is in a pure state. And hence also, its entropy is zero.
Now, suppose we throw the particle into the black hole and be sucked in, then, then the area of the black hole increases and hence, the entropy of the black hole also increases.
But, how can this be possible? I started off with a zero von Neumann entropy and why should the entropy/area of the black hole increase?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
In most physical processes entropy increase, so why are you surprised?
 
according to the 2nd law of thermodynamic, entropy cannot decrease..decreasing the chance of a white hole possiblility.
 
If you started with a pure state, entropy increase is only possible if you allow for a violation of unitary time evolution. This problem is known as black hole information loss and points out an incompatibility between QM and GR.
 
but i thought there is a theory that states that information cannot be lost or destoyed?
 
white holes said:
but i thought there is a theory that states that information cannot be lost or destoyed?
Information is lost in irreversible macroscopic processes. I think that the statement is that unitary time evolution of pure quantum states is a principle that should not be violated. In case of quantum field theory of black holes, it's violation is an indication that something is wrong in the theory. If you are interested in knowing more about this I would suggest to ask in the subforum "Beyond the Standard Model".
 
Back
Top