B Gravity & Wave Forms: Interactions Explained

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Gravity does affect electromagnetic waves, including gamma, x-ray, and radio waves. However, gravity itself is not classified as a wave, despite the existence of gravitational waves, which are a separate phenomenon. General Relativity explains that mass bends space and time, influencing all forms of energy and waves within that space. The confirmation of light bending during a solar eclipse in 1919 showcased the impact of gravity on light, solidifying Einstein's theories. Understanding these interactions clarifies the relationship between gravity and wave forms.
hagar
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Does gravity affect waves such as gamma, xray, radio etc. and how does it interact with other wave forms considering gravity is a wave itself.

Respectfully,
Pat Hagar
 
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Yes, gravity affects EM waves.

No, gravity is not a wave.
 
Orodruin said:
Yes, gravity affects EM waves.

No, gravity is not a wave.

I have read in the last few months that gravitational waves have finally been proven to exist.
 
hagar said:
I have read in the last few months that gravitational waves have finally been proven to exist.
Yes, this does not mean that gravity is a wave. Just as EM waves do not mean an electric field is a wave or waves on the surface of a pond mean that the surface is a wave.
 
Thank you for the response. That sounds reasonable.

Respectfully,
Pat Hagar
 
Not only "yes", but very famously "yes". With General Relativity Einstein predicted twice as much light bending as Newtonian gravity. The race was on to try and measure the bending precisely by observing stars near the edge of the solar disk during a solar eclipse. When Einstein's value was confirmed in 1919 it made headline news around the world and made Einstein world famous. I saw a really good documentary about the race and frustrations of trying to make the solar eclipse measurement.

Anyhow, I will add that the idea of General Relativity is that mass bends space and time. Everything must be affected when space itself is bent!
 
Thank you for the in depth explanation. This makes things much clearer.

Respectfully,
Pat Hagar
 
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