Black Hole Information Paradox
The Black Hole Information Paradox arises from the conflict between quantum mechanics and general relativity. When matter falls into a black hole, it seems to disappear, leading to the question of whether the information about that matter is lost forever. According to quantum theory, information cannot be destroyed, which creates a dilemma for physicists.
This paradox challenges our understanding of the universe. If a black hole evaporates over time, as suggested by Stephen Hawking's theory of Hawking radiation, what happens to the information contained within it? Resolving this paradox is crucial for a complete theory of quantum gravity.