Proof of Gravity Waves Energy: Richard Feymann's Beads on a Rod

In summary, the fact that gravity waves can create heat and increase entropy in a system provides evidence that they have energy. This is demonstrated by Richard Feynman's thought experiment of beads on a rod being moved by the waves. This proof may not be obvious to some, as it raises the question of whether the passing of a gravity wave permanently alters the rod or not. However, the creation of heat makes it clear that energy is being transferred, and the second law of thermodynamics supports this idea by stating that all work cannot be converted to heat. Therefore, the heat created by the gravity wave serves as a strong proof of its energy.
  • #1
daniel_i_l
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I read that one of the most accepted proofs that gravity waves have energy is Richard Feymann's : imagine beads on a rod, gravity waves can move the beads creating friction and heat so they must have energy.

Why does the heat creation make this such a great proof? Isn't it obvious that if they can accelerate mass than they must at least have potantial energy? I know that I must be missing something here. Can someone please explain?
 
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  • #2
One might otherwise argue that the passing of a GW will not alter the rod permanently and therefore the GW doesn´t lose energy. Or so.
 
  • #3
Ich said:
One might otherwise argue that the passing of a GW will not alter the rod permanently and therefore the GW doesn´t lose energy. Or so.
How can it not be altered permanently if it's giving off heat?
 
  • #4
Is that why the heat is so important?
 
  • #5
daniel_i_l said:
Is that why the heat is so important?
It is important since it is thermodynamically impossible to convert all work to heat, so if a gravity wave does some work W for some time T, then does no more work, and an amount of heat Q is given off, the entropy of the rod has increased.
 

1. How did Richard Feynman's beads on a rod experiment prove the existence of gravity waves?

Richard Feynman's experiment involved suspending a rod with a series of beads on it and then vibrating the rod at different frequencies. As the rod vibrated, the beads moved in a unique pattern that showed the transfer of energy through the rod. This movement of the beads was caused by the passing of gravity waves through the rod, providing evidence of their existence.

2. What are gravity waves and how do they differ from gravitational waves?

Gravity waves are disturbances in the Earth's atmosphere or ocean caused by the force of gravity. They are different from gravitational waves, which are ripples in space-time caused by massive objects moving through space. Gravity waves are a result of the Earth's gravitational field, while gravitational waves are a result of massive objects like black holes and neutron stars.

3. How does the concept of "energy transfer" play a role in Richard Feynman's experiment?

The movement of the beads on the rod in Feynman's experiment demonstrated the transfer of energy through the rod. As the rod vibrated, the energy from the vibrating motion was transferred to the beads, causing them to move in a unique pattern. This transfer of energy is a key component in proving the existence of gravity waves.

4. What impact did Richard Feynman's experiment have on the scientific community?

Feynman's experiment provided strong evidence for the existence of gravity waves, which was a concept that had been theorized but not yet proven. This experiment helped solidify the understanding and acceptance of gravity waves within the scientific community and has led to further research and discoveries in this field.

5. How does the discovery of gravity waves impact our understanding of the universe?

The discovery of gravity waves has opened up a new avenue for studying and understanding the universe. These waves provide insight into some of the most extreme and distant phenomena in the universe, such as black holes and supernovas. They also confirm Einstein's theory of general relativity and continue to expand our understanding of the fundamental laws of the universe.

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