Can Black Holes Actually Die Out?

In summary, black holes are difficult to understand because their constant intake of matter and energy seems to only increase their gravity. The only way for a black hole to shrink is if it is not being fed, as the hawking radiation must surpass the amount of matter and energy being absorbed. However, this scenario is not possible in the current universe due to the overwhelming cosmic microwave background.
  • #1
skepticdude
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Given why black holes are what they are, it is difficult to fathom that the constant influx of matter and energy into its core would somehow eventually cause it to dissipate and disappear. Would not the addition of matter and energy simply contribute more and more to the gravity? It would seem that the only way a black hole can fade is if it is never fed.
 
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  • #2
Quite right, infalling matter and radiation does indeed contribute to the BH's mass. The only time the black hole shrinks is when the hawking radiation is greater than the matter and radiation the BH is absorbing. Note that this condition isn't even attainable in the present universe, as the cosmic microwave background completely swamps the hawking radiation from a stellar mass black hole.
 

FAQ: Can Black Holes Actually Die Out?

How do black holes die out?

Black holes can die out through a process called Hawking radiation. This occurs when particles near the event horizon of the black hole are separated, with one particle being pulled into the black hole and the other escaping. The escaping particle carries away energy from the black hole, causing it to eventually lose mass and shrink.

Will all black holes eventually die out?

Yes, according to current theories, all black holes will eventually die out through Hawking radiation. However, the time it takes for a black hole to completely evaporate depends on its mass. Smaller black holes will evaporate faster, while larger black holes may take trillions of years to completely disappear.

What happens to matter that enters a black hole?

Matter that enters a black hole is crushed and compressed to an infinitely small point at the center, known as the singularity. This matter contributes to the mass of the black hole and cannot escape once it has passed the event horizon.

Can black holes be destroyed by other means?

Some theories suggest that black holes could merge with each other, causing them to grow in size and potentially emit gravitational waves. However, this would not necessarily destroy the black hole, but rather change its properties.

What happens to the space around a dying black hole?

As a black hole loses mass through Hawking radiation, the gravitational pull it exerts on its surroundings will decrease. This could lead to a distortion or stretching of space-time in the surrounding area, potentially affecting nearby objects or bodies in orbit around the black hole.

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