Gravitational Waves: Why They're Produced & Detection

In summary, gravitational waves are produced when the source distribution has a non-vanishing quadrupole moment with a non-zero third time derivative. This means that a cylindrically or spherically symmetric body cannot produce gravitational waves on its own. However, if the body spins about a fixed axis, it can generate the necessary quadrupole moment and produce gravitational waves. This is similar to how electromagnetic waves are generated from second time derivatives of dipole moments in charge distributions.
  • #1
clumps tim
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Hi, I have been reading about gravitational waves for the last few days. I saw any cylindrically or spherically symmetric body can not produce gravitational wave, can you please explain to me why ?

I also need a brief explanation on why GW are actually produced.

regards
 
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  • #2
In order to produce gravitational waves the source distribution must have a non-vanishing quadrupole moment that has a non-zero third time derivative. A spherical distribution for example has identically vanishing quadrupole moment in and of itself. However if you have the spherical distribution spin about a fixed axis then you will have a non-vanishing quadrupole moment and gravitational waves can be generated. This is all in the wave-zone approximation. In EM we also make the wave-zone approximation and in this case EM waves are generated from second time derivatives of dipole moments of charge distributions so you can compare this with the case of gravitational waves.
 

Related to Gravitational Waves: Why They're Produced & Detection

1. What are gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time that are produced by the acceleration of massive objects. They were first predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity.

2. What produces gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves are produced by the acceleration of massive objects, such as black holes or neutron stars. They can also be produced by violent events in the universe, such as supernovae or the merging of two neutron stars.

3. How are gravitational waves detected?

Gravitational waves are detected using extremely sensitive instruments called interferometers. These instruments use laser beams to measure tiny changes in the distance between two objects caused by a passing gravitational wave.

4. Why are gravitational waves important?

Gravitational waves provide a new way for us to study the universe and its most extreme events, such as the collision of black holes. They also confirm Einstein's theory of general relativity and open up new possibilities for future technologies.

5. Can gravitational waves be used for communication?

No, gravitational waves cannot be used for communication as they are very weak and interact very little with matter. Additionally, they are distorted by the curvature of space-time, making it difficult to accurately transmit information through them.

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