Theoretically Possible: Anomalies in Extremely Small Black Holes

Have you ever pondered what would happen if an impossibly tiny black hole such as a yoctometer (10^-24 meters) suddenly appeared on Earth's surface? In the realm of theoretical physics, scenarios like this can truly challenge our understanding of the universe. However, as underscored by the principles of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, such phenomena are highly unlikely to occur in our known universe.

Is It Physically Possible for a Black Hole to Exist at a Yoctometer Size?

From a conventional standpoint, the smallest known black hole has a diameter of approximately 16 miles. Consequently, the idea of a yoctometer-sized black hole seems fantastical and perhaps more suited to the realms of science fiction. However, for the sake of exploring the concept, let's delve into what would occur.

According to theoretical physicist Viktor Toth's Hawking Radiation Calculator, a yoctometer-sized black hole would have:

Mass: 673 metric tons Temperature: 1.82E17 K Luminosity: 7.86E20 W Lifetime: 14 seconds The total conversion of one kg of matter would release 90 petajoules of energy

Consequences of a Yoctometer-Size Black Hole

Several catastrophic events would unfold almost instantaneously. Firstly, within those 14 seconds, the black hole would begin to evaporate through Hawking Radiation. Although the mass and energy released would be immense, the most significant immediate consequence would be the disruption of local matter around it.

Imagine an object of this size appearing instantly on Earth's surface. The black hole would instantly start devouring everything in its immediate vicinity, including air, trees, bushes, people, and vehicles. The gravitational pull would be so intense that the entire earth would start to be pulled in. Theoretically, the black hole would eventually lead to the earth's explosion and disintegration, contributing to its eventual disappearance into the growing black hole.

The ramifications would extend far beyond Earth, as it is believed that the black hole might open a pathway to the core of the earth, leading to the eventual consumption of the entire solar system, potentially including the sun itself.

However, What if It Were Possible?

Theoretically, in the realms of quantum physics, where the rules of the universe can be made up as we go along, something like a yoctometer-sized black hole might already have happened or could happen often. However, based on our current understanding, it is virtually impossible for a black hole of such small size to form and sustain itself.

In this context, we must consider the mass requirements for a black hole to function. Quantum mechanics dictate that a black hole cannot shrink below a certain volume or mass, even if particles are packed to the absolute limit. This is due to the fact that at such small scales, particles would inevitably emit some radiation, preventing the black hole from reaching a point where it can consume matter.

Furthermore, the yoctometer-sized black hole would also violate the fundamental laws of thermodynamics. The emission of radiation and the inability to maintain a stable state make it almost impossible for this entity to exist in our normal, observable universe.

Conclusion

While contemplating these scenarios can provide fascinating insights into the laws of physics and the nature of black holes, the bottom line is that yoctometer-size black holes do not fit within the current scientific framework. They would likely evaporate almost instantly, contributing to a massive but harmless release of energy.

But in the spirit of theoretical exploration, it remains an interesting thought experiment, highlighting the incredible complexity and unpredictability of the universe. Whether such scenarios could exist elsewhere or in alternate dimensions—however unlikely—is a question that continues to intrigue scientists and science fiction writers alike.