What is information?

[brendanxx]

TL;DR Summary

Simple meaning of "information" - is it structural, separate from other structures, or simply a concept to mathematically describe the basic building blocks of something?

As a 71 year old writer who has been hooked by the quantum world I have struggled to find someone who can explain simply what is the "information" that cannot (?) escape from a black hole. Could this information, for instance, be described as the structural quantum blueprint of any form?

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to PF.

Here is some basic reading to get you going: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information

 

[anorlunda]

We have a PF Insights article on the subject.
https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/how-to-better-define-information-in-physics/

But the black hole is difficult. Consider the spin of an electron, that can be up or down; exactly 1 bit of information. If the electron falls into a black hole, it brings that 1 bit of information with it. Whatever Hawking radiation that may come out of the BH in the future, also carries information and the information out must equal the information in.

If you understand QM, then you should know about Unitary operations. Unitarity and preservation of information are the same thing or at least closely related.

 

[brendanxx]

This is all so interesting. No, I do not understand quantum mechanics which, I guess is why I'm so interested in it. In my ignorance I wonder about things like - can a particle that has no steady state and which cannot generally be described have any information? There is no need to answer - I do understand my question springs from abysmal ignorance and I shall slink off to read your link and study more.