What Determines the Spectrum of Hawking Radiation?

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    Hawking Spectrum
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of the spectrum of Hawking radiation, specifically questioning the shape of the power/wavelength curve and the implications for different types of particles emitted, including massive particles versus photons. The scope includes theoretical aspects of black hole thermodynamics and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the specific shape of the power/wavelength curve for Hawking radiation.
  • Another participant asserts that Hawking radiation has a thermal spectrum, linking it to a temperature that can be assigned to black holes, suggesting a connection between thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and gravity.
  • A later reply reiterates the thermal nature of Hawking radiation and its implications.
  • One participant questions the spectrum of Hawking radiation beyond photons, particularly regarding massive particles and their reduced chances of "survival" due to stronger gravitational effects, suggesting this could alter the expected spectrum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Hawking radiation has a thermal spectrum, but there is uncertainty regarding the implications for massive particles and how their spectra may differ from that of black body radiation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the spectrum shape and the effects on massive particles.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the behavior of massive particles in the context of Hawking radiation, as well as the dependence on definitions of thermal spectra and black body radiation.

tzimie
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Simple questions. There is a formula for the POWER of Hawking radiation, but what's about it's spectrum? What is the shape of the power/wavelength curve?
 
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Hawking radiation has a thermal spectrum, which is an amazing result allowing us to assign a temperature to a black hole. This is generally considered an amazing clue linking thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and gravity.
 
Yes... How I could forget about it... Shame on me...
 
atyy said:
Hawking radiation has a thermal spectrum, which is an amazing result allowing us to assign a temperature to a black hole. This is generally considered an amazing clue linking thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and gravity.

Hm... What's about the spectrum of Hawking radiation other that photons? What's about massive particles? yes, their chances of "survival" are even smaller because gravitation affects them stronger as they are less relativistic. But it would "erase" the "red" part of their spectrum, making it different from the spectrum of black body?
 

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