Could gravity have 2 components like a photon

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores whether gravity could have two components similar to a photon, focusing on the nature of gravitational waves and the potential existence of a gravitomagnetic field alongside the gravito-electric field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that gravity might have two components, akin to a photon, with a distinction between a gravito-electric field and a gravito-magnetic field.
  • One participant mentions that linearized gravity leads to a gravitomagnetic field, which is similar to the magnetic field associated with a photon, but notes that this framework is limited to weak gravitational fields.
  • Another participant argues that gravity, particularly from a non-rotating planet, is typically considered to have one component, the gravito-electric field, while motion can introduce a gravito-magnetic field.
  • There is a suggestion that gravitational waves could be viewed as having two components, although they are not expected to be dipolar but rather quadrupolar.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the number of components gravity possesses, with some supporting the idea of two components and others maintaining that gravity fundamentally has one component. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of gravitational waves and their components.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the linearized field equations, which may not apply in strong gravitational fields, and the unresolved nature of how gravitational waves are classified in terms of their components.

cragar
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could gravity have 2 components like a photon , or does gravity just have one component?
Is a gravitational wave a self-sustaining G field .
 
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Yes, linearized gravity gives rise to a gravitomagnetic field, which is like the magnetic field of a photon. So a graviton does have two components like that.

But linearized gravity only works in relatively weak gravitational fields. It breaks down in vicinities of such objects as neutron stars and black holes.
 
cragar said:
could gravity have 2 components like a photon , or does gravity just have one component?
Is a gravitational wave a self-sustaining G field .

That's a good question, Crager.


Gravity itself (say of a non-rotating planet) is considered to have one component and is usually referred to as the the gravito-electric field, which is analogous to a static charged sphere which only consists of an electric (electrostatic) field.

However, (as K^2 mentinioned) according to the linearized field equations matter in motion gives rise to a gravito-magnetic field analogous to a magnetic field resulting from motion of charge. A time rate of change of the gravitoelectric field (gravity) can also give rise to a gravito-magnetic field.

And yes, gravitational "waves" can then be considered to have two components, like EM, albeit, not predicted to be dipolar, but quadrupolar.

Creator
 
Last edited:
interesting thanks for your answers .
 

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