Black Holes and Steam Engines by Joseph Samuel

Explore the fascinating intersection of black holes and thermodynamics in this captivating lecture by Joseph Samuel at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences. Delve into the conceptual foundations of theoretical physics, focusing on how black holes have influenced our understanding of the universe. Gain insights into Stephen Hawking's groundbreaking work and its impact on current research through simple demonstrations, historical context, and engaging storytelling. Learn about the Doppler effect, gravitational redshift, and the twin paradox while discovering the rules governing black holes and their singularities. Examine the limitations of converting heat into work, drawing parallels between steam engines and the second law of thermodynamics. Suitable for general audiences and school students, this accessible presentation uses minimal equations and encourages audience interaction to illuminate complex concepts in theoretical physics.