Back Reaction in Black Hole Physics and GR

In summary, the term "back reaction" refers to the effect of radiation, specifically gravitational waves or Hawking radiation, on a binary system or black hole. This effect must be taken into account when analyzing the detection of gravitational waves or studying black hole quasinormal modes.
  • #1
touqra
287
0
In black hole physics and GR, what does the term back reaction means?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
A binary system, especially one of high gravitational field such as the binary pulsar PSR 1913+16, radiates gravitational waves that carry energy and momentum away from the system. This radiation by Newton's Third Law produces a back reaction that has to be taken into account when evaluating the detection of any gravitational waves coming from that system. See this article from "The Confrontation between General Relativity and Experiment" by Clifford M. Will
http://relativity.livingreviews.org/Articles/lrr-2001-4/node28.html .

There is also a back reaction to Hawking radiation produced by the zero point energy field at the event horizon. Influence of the back reaction of the Hawking radiation upon black hole quasinormal modes

Garth
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3


Back reaction refers to the effect of the gravitational field of a black hole on the surrounding matter and energy. In general relativity (GR), the presence of a massive object like a black hole causes a distortion in the surrounding space-time, creating a gravitational field. This field can then influence the motion and behavior of particles and energy in its vicinity, which in turn can affect the black hole itself. This mutual interaction between the black hole and its surroundings is known as back reaction.

The concept of back reaction is particularly important in the study of black holes, as it helps us understand the dynamics and evolution of these objects. The back reaction of matter and energy falling into a black hole can affect its mass, spin, and other properties. It can also influence the formation and stability of black hole systems, such as binary black holes or black holes in a galactic center.

Moreover, back reaction plays a crucial role in the study of gravitational waves. As black holes merge, they emit gravitational waves that carry away energy and angular momentum, causing a back reaction that can alter the motion and properties of the black holes. This phenomenon has been observed and studied through the detection of gravitational waves by advanced detectors such as LIGO and VIRGO.

Overall, the term back reaction in black hole physics and GR refers to the mutual influence between a black hole and its surroundings, which is essential in understanding the behavior and evolution of these enigmatic objects.
 

FAQ: Back Reaction in Black Hole Physics and GR

What is back reaction in black hole physics and GR?

Back reaction refers to the effect that a black hole's gravitational field has on the surrounding spacetime. In the theory of general relativity, black holes are described as regions of spacetime where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, including light, can escape. The presence of a black hole can cause changes in the curvature of spacetime, which can in turn affect the motion of particles and objects around it.

How does back reaction impact the behavior of a black hole?

The back reaction of a black hole can cause it to grow or shrink in size, depending on the matter and energy that falls into it. As matter falls into a black hole, it increases the mass and gravitational pull of the black hole, which in turn can cause changes in the surrounding spacetime. This can also affect the trajectory of matter and energy around the black hole, leading to observable effects such as gravitational lensing and the emission of Hawking radiation.

Can back reaction be observed or measured?

Yes, back reaction can be indirectly observed through its effects on the surrounding spacetime and the behavior of matter and energy. For example, gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime, can be detected and studied to understand the dynamics of black holes and their back reaction. Additionally, phenomena such as the accretion of matter onto a black hole and the emission of Hawking radiation can also provide evidence of back reaction.

How does back reaction relate to the theory of general relativity?

Back reaction is an important concept in the theory of general relativity, as it helps to explain the behavior of black holes and their influence on the surrounding spacetime. In general relativity, gravity is described as the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. Back reaction plays a crucial role in this theory as it describes how the curvature of spacetime can change in response to the presence of a black hole.

What are some current areas of research related to back reaction in black hole physics and GR?

Some current areas of research include studying the effects of back reaction on the formation and evolution of black holes, as well as its role in understanding the behavior of matter and energy around black holes. Additionally, there is ongoing research on the connection between back reaction and other theories, such as quantum mechanics, in order to better understand the fundamental nature of black holes and gravity.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
954
Replies
23
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
412
Replies
8
Views
774
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Back
Top