Are gravitons virtual or real.

[Paulanddiw]

Maybe this thread should not be here.
Are gravitons virtual or real. I've read that they are bosons, but... Also, are they expected to have momentum, virtual or otherwise?

Thanks

 

[dextercioby]

They can be, just as photons, both virtual and real. Einstein (or Pauli-Fierz) gravitons are massless.

Daniel.

 

[sir-pinski]

for your question! This is a complex and ongoing debate in the field of physics. Gravitons are theoretical particles that are believed to be the carriers of the force of gravity. However, they have not yet been directly observed or detected, so their existence is still a subject of study and debate.

Some theories suggest that gravitons are virtual particles, meaning they only exist as mathematical concepts and do not have a physical presence. Other theories propose that they are real particles with mass and momentum.

The concept of virtual particles is often used in quantum field theory to explain interactions between particles. These particles are not directly observable but can affect the behavior of other particles.

On the other hand, if gravitons are real particles, they would have mass and momentum, just like other particles in the Standard Model of particle physics. However, detecting and measuring these properties of gravitons is extremely challenging and has not yet been achieved.

So, to answer your question, the current understanding is that gravitons are likely virtual particles, but this is still a subject of ongoing research and debate. As for the thread being in the wrong place, it's always good to ask questions and seek knowledge, regardless of where you find yourself. Keep exploring and learning!