159 - Erik Verlinde: Entropic Gravity, Black Holes, and the Holographic Principle
Oct 27, 2023
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Erik Verlinde, a Professor of Physics specializing in quantum gravity and string theory, discusses black holes, the holographic principle, string theory, and entropic gravity in this podcast. Topics include the connection between black holes and quantum theory, measuring a black hole's entropy, the holographic principle, and the connection between string theory and quantum mechanics. They also explore the concept of entropic gravity and its potential explanation for dark matter.
Entropic Gravity suggests that gravity can be derived from microscopic entropy in spacetime.
The holographic principle states that everything inside a certain volume can be described by information on the surrounding two-dimensional surface.
String theory has been instrumental in understanding the entropy and microstates associated with black holes.
Entropic gravity offers potential insights into cosmology, providing a fresh perspective on concepts like dark energy and dark matter.
Deep dives
The Emergence of Entropic Gravity
Entropic Gravity is a theory that suggests that gravity can be derived from the microscopic entropy in spacetime. Space and time themselves are seen as emergent from this microscopic description.
The Influence of Gerard 't Hooft
Eric Verlinde discusses his mentor, Nobel laureate Gerard 't Hooft, and their work on black holes and the holographic principle. 't Hooft's focus on black holes as a way to understand quantum gravity and the quantum properties of black holes inspired Verlinde.
The Holographic Principle and Black Holes
The holographic principle states that everything inside a certain volume can be described by information on the surrounding two-dimensional surface. This idea was developed from the study of black holes and has provided insights into the relationship between gravity and quantum mechanics.
The Role of String Theory in Understanding Black Holes
String theory, which describes elementary objects as tiny vibrating strings, has been instrumental in understanding the entropy and microstates associated with black holes. The combined study of strings and membranes within string theory has provided a language to describe the microscopic properties of black holes and their connection to the horizon.
The importance of entropy and black holes in string theory
String theory has shifted its focus in the past decade towards the study of black holes and their connection to entropy. The success of string theory in solving problems like Bekenstein-Hawking radiation suggests that string theory principles, such as strings and branes, are here to stay. Although the final theory is still not fully developed, it is believed that point particles have been replaced by strings and branes. Additionally, the study of black holes has led to the consideration of different principles and the potential to derive string theory from other fundamental concepts.
Intropic gravity and the connection between entropy and gravity
Intropic gravity is a theory proposed to explain the relationship between entropy and gravity. The connection between the horizon area of black holes and entropy, as discovered by Hawking and Bekenstein, suggests that the laws of thermodynamics also resemble the laws of gravity. Intropic gravity suggests a reversal in thinking by starting with entropy and deriving gravity from it. The theory proposes that changes in entropy can lead to changes in energy, resulting in a gravitational force. This approach aims to explain not only the force of gravity but also the inertia experienced by objects.
Entropic gravity and its implications for cosmology
Entropic gravity, as a proposed theory, offers potential insights into cosmology. It suggests a different way of thinking about space-time than general relativity. It provides a fresh perspective on concepts like dark energy and dark matter. The theory suggests that dark energy and entropy are interconnected. The presence of dark energy creates an additional force, explaining the deviations observed in galactic dynamics. Entropic gravity aims to address unanswered questions in cosmology, such as the nature of dark energy and the properties of the expanding universe. While the theory is still in development, it offers new possibilities and predictions that could be further explored and tested with observations.
Erik Verlinde is Professor of Physics in the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam, where he specializes in quantum gravity and string theory, black holes, and cosmology. In this episode, Erik and Robinson discuss his studies with the Nobel laureate Gerard ’t Hooft, black holes, the holographic principle, string theory, entropic gravity, and dark matter.
OUTLINE
00:00 In This Episode…
00:51 Introduction
02:16 Studying with Gerard ‘t Hooft
13:33 How Do Black Holes Connect Quantum Theory and General Relativity?
20:57 Why Are Black Holes the Most Symmetric Objects in the Universe
24:10 How Do You Measure a Black Hole’s Entropy?
30:32 What Is The Holographic Principle in Physics?
44:17 What is String Theory and What Does It Teach Us About Black Holes?
01:04:49 What Is Entropic Gravity?
01:24:09 What’s the Connection Between String Theory and Quantum Mechanics?
01:29:33 Entropic Gravity and General Relativity
01:40:32 Does Entropic Gravity Explain Dark Matter?
01:47:50 The Present and Future of Emergent Gravity
Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between.
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