Gravitational Wave: Mechanical Waves & Space-Time Continuum

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Gravitational waves are not classified as mechanical waves, as they do not fit the traditional definition of mechanical wave propagation. Instead, they propagate through the space-time continuum, which serves as their medium. The discussion highlights that gravitational waves exhibit quadrupole characteristics, differentiating them from typical mechanical waves. The local metric value of curvature changes as gravitational waves traverse through space-time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational waves and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of the space-time continuum
  • Knowledge of wave mechanics and wave classifications
  • Basic principles of general relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of gravitational waves in general relativity
  • Study the differences between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves
  • Explore the concept of quadrupole radiation in physics
  • Learn about the metric tensor and its role in describing space-time
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of general relativity, and anyone interested in the properties of gravitational waves and their implications in modern physics.

sky123
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I have a question:
Would Gravity (or gravitational) waves be considered mechanical waves?
Wouldn't the Medium be the space-time continuum itself for these waves?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't think "mechanical wave" is a useful category for gravitational waves.

Wouldn't the Medium be the space-time continuum itself for these waves?
Right.
 
sky123 said:
I have a question:
Would Gravity (or gravitational) waves be considered mechanical waves?
Wouldn't the Medium be the space-time continuum itself for these waves?

Well, to my knowledge, not many mechanical waves are qudripole like a gravitational wave is. You are correct in assuming that space-time is the medium for such waves, however. As in it's the local value of the metric (the value of curvature) that changes as said gravitational wave passes through.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Does gravity bend gravitational waves?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Graduate "Looks" of gravitational wave emissions for an eclipsing ternary compact object?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School LIGO Back Online: Upgraded Detector to Spot Fainter Gravitational Waves
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Can gravitational energy be localized in the case of plane waves?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Can gravitational lensing detect Very small deviations in light propagation?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
High School Energy loss of a photon
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School Gravitational Waves: Impact & Effects on Gravity
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
High School Frequency of Gravitational Waves: Limit & Possibilities
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
High School FRB & Gravitational Wave Link: Scientists Baffled
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Merging black holes: gravitational waves and information
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K