Quote:
Originally Posted by edwardsdj
This is actually the second law of thermodynamics. The third law relates to the entropy of a system approaching zero as the temperature approaches absolute zero.
I've always seen a black hole as an entropy pump. I believe this is what Hawking was originally trying to say. Information goes in (stars, planets, possibly lifeforms) and blackbody radiation comes out (Hawking radiation).
So while the black hole itself is in a very low entropy state (as you suggest) the effect of the hole is to convert information (low entropy state) into blackbody radiation (highest possible entropy state). Consequently all information is destroyed. This is completely consistent with the second law of thermodynamcis.
Interesting documentary  |
Thanks for correcting me on that....I was trying to remember which law it was. I had a feeling it was the 2nd law
One point.....you could even say that the blackbody radiation itself is a form of information and not necessarily the highest state of entropy you can have. Whilst it's for all intents and purpose about as disordered as you would normally get, a completely disordered state would by rights follow on in the 3rd Law of Thermodynamics (as you've previously mentioned), at a temp of absolute zero. But even then, we have no idea whether you can ever actually reach absolute zero, as you have the background quantum fluctuation of spacetime in which the particle rests. If at absolute zero, the order of a particle becomes zero or undefined, then you might as well say that quantum fluctuations in the spacetime field prevent total disorder. In actual fact, a definition of zero is a value and therefore can't be total disorder which implies nothing of any value (complete and utter non-existence). It would be better to say it was undefined, which also implies some hint of order to the system, no matter how vague or small it might be.