What happens if the Large Hadron Collider produces a small black hole?

Answer 1

Assuming it can be succesfully detected before it dissipates almost instantly a lot of scientists will get very excited.

Some theoretical physicists believe that the detection of micro black holes would suggest the presence of extra dimensions (beyond the usual three that we experience). This would profoundly change our understanding of physics. Some believe that if there are extra dimensions then there may be parallel universes existing alongside ours!

Assuming however that these extra dimensions do not exist (or do not operate in this way) current theories say that the LHC is not powerful enough to create micro black holes.

Micro Black holes are incredibly hard to detect as they would evaporate almost instantaneously by a process known as "Hawking Radiation." If micro black holes could be created in the LHC they must also be being created all the time in the upper atmosphere by cosmic rays, considering that we've been unable to notice these in 100 years of modern physics, the people at the LHC have quite a job on their hands.

There is zero probability that the LHC will create a world-destroying black hole. Actually that's not quite true, quantum theory tells us that practically nothing is impossible, just unlikely to an unimaginable degree. The probability of the LHC creating a stable black hole effectively the same chance that you will spontaneously turn into a rabbit next Thursday.

Hope that helps,

L