When a supernova occurs is it expected that the gravity wave

In summary, the Standard Model of Modern Physics describes all fundamental particles and three of the four fundamental forces, including the electromagnetic force. The model states that forces are transmitted by particles known as bosons, with photons being responsible for the electromagnetic force. Although the model does not include gravity, it is believed that the gravitational force is also transmitted by a boson called the graviton. However, the graviton has yet to be observed due to the difficulty in detecting it. While photons and gravitons share some properties, they are different particles. It is expected that the gravity wave from a supernova will reach a point at the same time as the light, as they both travel at the same speed through empty space. However, there may be
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wolram
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When a supernova occurs is it expected that the gravity wave will reach a point at the same time as the light?
 
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electromagnetic force has some similarities to the gravitational force.

Modern Physics has now accepted something known as the Standard Model as a description of all fundamental particles and three of the four fundamental forces that act between these particles (electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, strong nuclear force). The model regards all forces as being 'transmitted' by a type of particle known as bosons, which are exchanged between particles in order to transmit a force.

The Standard Model regards all electromagnetic radiation, which comprises the 'electromagnetic spectrum' and is responsible for the electromagnetic force, as consisting of discrete quanta (particles) known as photons. These photons have a number of distinguishing properties.

Equally, although the Standard Model does not formally include gravity, it is currently accepted that the gravitational force must be transmitted in the same way as the other forces. The boson responsible has become known as the graviton, and again has a number of distinguishing properties. The reason for any uncertainty and assumption here is because the graviton is yet to be observed (this would be expected because gravity is by far the weakest force, making the graviton most difficult to observe).

By comparing the fundamental properties of these bosons, it is clear that photons and gravitons are different, although they do share some of the same properties.

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  • #3
wolram said:
When a supernova occurs is it expected that the gravity wave will reach a point at the same time as the light?

I think so. Approximately.
In everything I've read it's assumed that gravity waves travel at the same speed as light.
It's odd that gravity waves haven't been observed yet, though.

I would imagine that if gravity waves associated with various sorts of supernovae are observed, there may be differences in the arrival times of the signals, stemming from delays at the source. Even if, as I assume, the signals travel at the same speed thru empty space.

It takes the light a while to emerge. The gravity wave signaling the collapse might conceivably get here before the flash.

I was looking at the lightcurves of supernovae a while back and noticed that in some cases it takes several days for the visible brightness to build up. maybe someone can summarize the situation. In that case, we could get a gravity wave signal from the collapse immediately (if it was detectable) and then over the course of the next minutes or hours, or even days, see the light build up.
 
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An exact spherical collapse or explosion, no matter how intense, does not produce gravitational wave. Only deviations from spherical symmetry do and if those deviations are 'small' in some sense, that would explain why the produced wave is not as spectacular as the light wave and hence below our sensitivity of detection.
 
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1. When a supernova occurs, is it expected that the gravity wave will reach Earth?

Yes, it is expected that the gravity wave created by a supernova will eventually reach Earth. However, it may take a significant amount of time for the wave to travel through space and reach our planet.

2. How does a supernova create a gravity wave?

A supernova occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life and explodes. This explosion creates an intense burst of energy and releases a massive amount of matter into space. As this matter is ejected, it can create ripples in space-time, which are known as gravity waves.

3. Can we detect gravity waves from a supernova?

Yes, we have the technology to detect gravity waves from a supernova. In fact, the first detection of a gravity wave was from a merging pair of neutron stars in 2017. Scientists use highly sensitive instruments, such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), to detect these waves.

4. How does the detection of gravity waves from a supernova help us understand the universe?

The detection of gravity waves from a supernova provides scientists with valuable information about the explosion itself. By studying the characteristics of the gravity waves, such as their amplitude and frequency, we can gain insights into the energy and structure of the supernova. This can help us better understand the processes that occur during a supernova and the behavior of matter and energy in extreme conditions.

5. Are there any potential dangers to Earth from a supernova gravity wave?

No, there are no known dangers to Earth from a supernova gravity wave. By the time the wave reaches our planet, it has significantly weakened and poses no threat to our safety. Additionally, supernovae are rare and typically occur in distant parts of the universe, so the likelihood of one causing harm to Earth is extremely low.

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