Gravitational Radiation: Falling Objects into Black Holes

[keithdow]

If an object falls into a black hole, gravitational radiation is emitted. Suppose two identical objects from opposite sides fall into a black hole simultaneously, how do I show that:

a. Radiation is emitted.
b. Radiation is not emitted.

 

[Bill_K]

Look at the linearized approximation, use the superposition principle and see that the radiation emitted by the two particles does not cancel. (It clearly doesn't, since their quadrupole moments add rather than canceling)

 

[keithdow]

Thanks!