Black hole thermodynamics

Abstract

The chapter presents the Penrose process, Hawking radiation, entropy and the laws of black hole thermodynamics. The Penrose process is derived and the area theorem is stated. A heuristic argument for the Hawking effect is given, emphasising a correct grasp of the concepts and the nature of the result. The Hawking effect and the Unruh effect are further discussed and linked together in a precise calculation. Evaporation of black holes is described. The information paradox is presented.