The conflict between quantum mechanics and black hole thermodynamics that has revolutionized our understanding of spacetime and information.
The black hole information paradox is one of the most profound puzzles in modern physics, challenging our understanding of both quantum mechanics and gravity. It arises from a fundamental conflict between two well-established principles of physics.
On one hand, quantum mechanics tells us that information cannot be destroyed - it can be scrambled, transformed, or hidden, but never truly lost. On the other hand, Stephen Hawking showed that black holes evaporate by emitting thermal radiation that appears to carry no information about what fell into the black hole.
This creates a paradox: if a black hole completely evaporates, where does the information about the matter that formed it go? The resolution of this paradox has led to revolutionary insights about the nature of spacetime, quantum entanglement, and the holographic principle.
The information paradox: quantum information vs. thermal radiation
Explore how the entropy of Hawking radiation evolves during black hole evaporation
Interactive model of black hole evaporation showing the information paradox resolution
Classical Phase: Entropy decreases as black hole evaporates
Quantum Phase: Information begins to escape, entropy levels off
Page Time: The turning point where quantum effects dominate