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Expressed in Planck units, the temperature T of a black…

“Expressed in Planck units, the temperature T of a black hole is inversely proportional to its mass, m. This is a third law, Hawking's law: T = k/m. The constant k is very small in normal units. As a result, astrophysical black holes have temperatures of a very small fractionnof a degree.” quote by Lee Smolin
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““Expressed in Planck units, the temperature T of a black hole is inversely proportional to its mass, m. This is a third law, Hawking's law: T = k/m. The constant k is very small in normal units. As a result, astrophysical black holes have temperatures of a very small fractionnof a degree.””

Lee Smolin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Black hole temperature drops as mass grows; larger black holes are colder than smaller ones.

In simple terms: Bigger black holes are colder.

Key Takeaway

Recognize mass‑temperature inverse relationship.

Themes

physicsysics thermodynamics black holes cosmology

Mood

intrigued thoughtful

Type

scientific educational

When to use this quote

  • Astrophysics research
  • educational outreach
  • science communication

Key Concepts

Hawking radiation inverse proportionality Planck units

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does mass affect black hole temperature?
  • What implications does this have for black hole evaporation?
A Different Perspective

Limits apply only to astrophysical scales; quantum effects dominate elsewhere.

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