Equipartition of energy in the horizon degrees of freedom and the emergence of gravity

Padmanabhan, T. (2010) Equipartition of energy in the horizon degrees of freedom and the emergence of gravity Modern Physics Letters A, 25 (14). pp. 1129-1136. ISSN 0217-7323

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Official URL: http://www.worldscinet.com/mpla/25/2514/S021773231...

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S021773231003313X

Abstract

It is possible to provide a physical interpretation for the field equations of gravity based on a thermodynamical perspective. The virtual degrees of freedom associated with the horizons, as perceived by the local Rindler observer, play a crucial role in this approach. In this context, the relation S = E/2T between the entropy (S), active gravitational mass (E) and temperature (T) - obtained previously in gr-qc/0308070 [CQG, 21, 4485 (2004)] - can be reinterpreted as the law of equipartition E = (½) nkBT where n = ΔA/LP2 is the number (density) of microscopic horizon degrees of freedom in an area ΔA. Conversely, one can use the equipartition argument to provide a thermodynamic interpretation of gravity, even in the nonrelativistic limit. These results emphasize the intrinsic quantum nature of all gravitational phenomena and diminishes the distinction between thermal phenomena associated with local Rindler horizons and the usual thermodynamics of macroscopic bodies in non-inertial frames. Just like the original thermodynamic interpretation, these results also hold for a wide class of gravitational theories like the Lanczos-Lovelock models.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to World Scientific Publishing Company.
Keywords:Equipartition; Horizon; Black Hole Entropy; Holography; Lovelock Models
ID Code:72641
Deposited On:29 Nov 2011 05:53
Last Modified:29 Nov 2011 05:53

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