- #1
hsdrop
- 324
- 114
Like the title said, is there a way at all to use gravity waves as a way to transport us to other stars??
Gravitational Waves as Transportation | Space Travel
- Context: High School
- Thread starter hsdrop
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion explores the concept of using gravitational waves as a means of transportation for space travel, specifically considering whether it is feasible to harness these waves to travel to other stars.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions the possibility of using gravitational waves for transportation, suggesting the idea of "surfing" on these waves after reaching a certain speed.
- Another participant clarifies that gravitational waves travel at the speed of light and do not propel matter, instead causing slight disturbances in space.
- A later reply points out that gravitational waves can indeed cause matter to move, but this motion is transverse to the direction of the waves, meaning they cannot push objects in their direction of propagation.
- Terminology is discussed, with one participant correcting the use of "gravity waves" to "gravitational waves," noting that they are distinct phenomena.
- There is a reiteration of the analogy comparing gravitational waves to water waves, emphasizing that waves do not carry matter along with them but rather displace it temporarily.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using gravitational waves for transportation, with some clarifying misconceptions about the nature of these waves. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practical application of gravitational waves in space travel.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of gravitational waves and gravity waves, as well as the assumptions about their effects on matter. The nuances of how gravitational waves interact with objects are not fully explored.
- #2
- 2,009
- 974
Gravity waves travel at the speed of light. Matter cannot. The wave is not propelling any matter along, just disturbing space slightly as it moves through space. Waves in the water do not propel the water along with the wave, just displace it some from where it was, then let it go back, as the wave passes by an area of water. Gravity waves move in a similar fashion.
- #3
hsdrop
- 324
- 114
The thought I had was to have a ship almost surf it in a way after the ship got up to a speed that was as fast as the ship can go. or at least get a boost from the wave.
I guess it was a bad idea.
I guess it was a bad idea.
- #4
PeterDonis
Mentor
- 49,944
- 25,983
hsdrop said:
The proper term is "gravitational waves". "Gravity waves" are something different:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_wave
- #5
PeterDonis
Mentor
- 49,944
- 25,983
scottdave said:
This is not quite true. Gravitational waves can cause matter to move. (LIGO uses the motion of test masses to detect gravitational waves passing through the Earth.) However, the motion will be transverse to the waves, so gravitational waves cannot "push" things in their direction of propagation.
- #6
hsdrop
- 324
- 114
Sorry for the bad terminology Peter and thank you for the answer. 
- #7
- 22,827
- 14,869
scottdave said:
Coincidentally, what scottdave described is not only similar to gravity waves - it is gravity waves.PeterDonis said:
Similar threads
- · Replies 1 ·
Undergrad
Does gravity bend gravitational waves?
- · Replies 14 ·
- · Replies 37 ·
- · Replies 2 ·
High School
Energy loss of a photon
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 4 ·
High School
Gravitational Waves: Impact & Effects on Gravity
- · Replies 15 ·
- · Replies 15 ·
- · Replies 8 ·
Undergrad
Curved space and gravitational waves
- · Replies 6 ·