Hi, i have a question about Gravitons

In summary, gravitons are a hypothetical elementary particle that is thought to mediate the force of gravity in quantum field theory. It is believed to be massless and have a spin of 2, and would be the quantum of gravitational radiation. However, since there is no concrete evidence for its existence, it remains a theoretical concept. To prove its existence, scientists must be able to link it to the curvature of space-time and calculate its effects on gravitational force.
  • #1
phy_freak
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0
hi, i have a question about "Gravitons"

do gravitons exist? I'm wondering what is gravity made up of. as they say light is made up of photons, then what is gravity made up of?
or is it only that fabric of space-time that takes place here?
 
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  • #2


No one has come up with a good model for quantum gravity yet, so we don't know for sure whether gravitons exist or not. A graviton would be a quantum of gravitational radiation just like a photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy. A quantum is the smallest unit of energy of that you can have of a given frequency.
 
  • #3


I agree with Janus. And here's something more from wikipedia:
In physics, the graviton is a hypothetical elementary particle that mediates the force of gravity in the framework of quantum field theory. If it exists, the graviton must be massless (because the gravitational force has unlimited range) and must have a spin of 2 (because the source of gravity is the stress-energy tensor, which is a second-rank tensor, compared to electromagnetism, the source of which is the four-current, which is a first-rank tensor). To prove the existence of the graviton, physicists must be able to link the particle to the curvature of the space-time continuum and calculate the gravitational force exerted.


Since graviton is hypothetical, there is no proof that it really exists.
You can also go to this link to learn more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graviton
 

1. What are gravitons?

Gravitons are hypothetical particles that are believed to mediate the force of gravity. They are predicted by certain theories, such as string theory, but have not yet been directly observed.

2. How do gravitons work?

Gravitons are thought to work by interacting with other particles and transferring the force of gravity between them. Similar to other fundamental particles, gravitons have a certain spin and energy that determine how they interact with other particles.

3. Can gravitons be detected?

Currently, gravitons cannot be directly detected or measured because they are extremely small and have a very weak interaction with matter. However, scientists are working on experiments and technologies that may eventually allow for the detection of gravitons.

4. Are gravitons the only explanation for gravity?

No, gravitons are just one of the proposed explanations for the force of gravity. Other theories, such as General Relativity, describe gravity as a bending of space-time rather than a particle-based force.

5. How would the discovery of gravitons impact our understanding of the universe?

If gravitons were to be observed and confirmed, it would provide strong evidence for certain theories, such as string theory, and could potentially lead to a better understanding of the fundamental forces and structure of the universe. It could also have practical applications, such as advancements in technology and space exploration.

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