How do black holes form and what happens inside them?

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Formation and Internal Dynamics of Black Holes

Formation of Black Holes

Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) Formation

Primordial black holes (PBHs) are theorized to form in the early universe through mechanisms such as a first-order electroweak phase transition (FOEWPT). This process involves extending the Standard Model with a real singlet scalar, leading to the formation of non-topological solitons called Fermi-balls. These solitons collapse into PBHs due to internal forces, potentially contributing to dark matter .

Supermassive Black Holes (SMBHs) Formation

Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) can form directly in the centers of protogalaxies without needing seed black holes from early star formation. This occurs through a rapid loss of angular momentum in self-gravitating gas within dark matter haloes, leading to a dense core that collapses into a black hole. This process can result in black holes with initial masses around 20 solar masses, which can grow rapidly under certain conditions.

Black Holes from Stellar Collapse

Black holes can also form from the gravitational collapse of massive stars. When a star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it can no longer support itself against gravitational forces, leading to a collapse that forms a black hole. This process is well-described within the framework of general relativity.

Internal Structure of Black Holes

Charged Black Holes

The internal structure of charged black holes is influenced by the mass and charge of the collapsing matter. When the charge-to-mass ratio is small, a wormhole-like structure can form inside the black hole. As the ratio approaches unity, the structure becomes more static. Mass inflation can induce large curvatures within the black hole, making the internal structure less sensitive to late-time perturbations.

Quantum Gravity and Black Hole Interiors

In the context of quantum gravity, black holes form and evaporate in a unitary manner. The interior spacetime appears consistent with the principles of quantum mechanics and the equivalence principle. This perspective suggests that the classical singularity predicted by general relativity may not exist, and instead, the black hole's interior is governed by quantum effects .

Thermodynamics and Information Paradox

Black holes have a large number of internal configurations, reflecting the different initial states of the matter that formed them. This leads to the concept of black hole entropy, which is proportional to the surface area of the event horizon. Black holes emit thermal radiation, known as Hawking radiation, which causes them to lose mass and eventually evaporate. This process raises questions about the fate of information, known as the black hole information paradox.

Conclusion

Black holes can form through various mechanisms, including primordial processes, direct collapse in protogalaxies, and stellar collapse. Their internal structures are complex and influenced by factors such as charge, mass, and quantum effects. The study of black holes continues to challenge our understanding of fundamental physics, particularly in the realms of quantum mechanics and general relativity.