How quickly do changes in fundamental forces propagate?

In summary, if two objects are 2 light years apart and exert a pull of gravity on each other, and one suddenly disappears, the other would not feel the force instantly. Instead, it would take 2 years for the other object to feel the change in the gravity force. When searching for the speed of gravity, it is found that all fundamental forces, including gravity, travel at the speed of light c. However, changes in these forces travel at c.
  • #1
jeevesh
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If there are 2 objects at the distance of 2 light years from each other exerting a pull of gravity on each other and one of them vanishes suddenly would the other feel the force instantly or 2 years later or after more time
 
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  • #2
jeevesh said:
If there are 2 objects at the distance of 2 light years from each other exerting a pull of gravity on each other and one of them vanishes suddenly would the other feel the force instantly or 2 years later or after more time

When you do a Google search for Speed of Gravity, what do you find? :smile:
 
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  • #3
In fact all fundamental forces travel at the speed of light c,
 
  • #4
Noctisdark said:
In fact all fundamental forces travel at the speed of light c,

Just for clarity, changes in fundamental forces travel at c.
 

FAQ: How quickly do changes in fundamental forces propagate?

What is the problem of light and matter?

The problem of light and matter refers to the challenge of understanding the nature of both light and matter and how they interact with each other. This has been a topic of study in the fields of physics and chemistry for centuries.

Why is the problem of light and matter important?

Understanding the properties and behavior of light and matter is crucial in many areas of science and technology, including optics, electronics, and quantum mechanics. It also has implications for our understanding of the universe and the fundamental laws of nature.

What is the current understanding of the problem of light and matter?

The current understanding of the problem of light and matter is based on quantum theory, which describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. It explains how light can behave as both a wave and a particle, and how matter can exist in multiple states simultaneously.

What are some proposed solutions to the problem of light and matter?

Scientists have proposed various theories and models to explain the problem of light and matter, such as quantum electrodynamics, quantum chromodynamics, and the standard model of particle physics. However, there is still much to be discovered and understood about the nature of light and matter.

How does the problem of light and matter relate to other scientific fields?

The problem of light and matter is interconnected with many other fields of science, such as astronomy, cosmology, and chemistry. It also has practical applications in technology, including the development of lasers, semiconductors, and medical imaging devices.

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