B Gravity waves and Planck's constant

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between gravitational waves and Planck's constant. While energy in quantum mechanics is linked to Planck's constant, gravitational waves are described by general relativity, which does not incorporate quantum mechanics. Therefore, Planck's constant does not play a role in the analysis of gravitational waves until a theory of quantum gravity is established. The question posed lacks clarity, as the connection between the two concepts is not straightforward. Ultimately, while it is formally possible to relate the two, the significance of doing so remains questionable.
Leonard Begy
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Can the energy of a gravitational wave be related to Plancks constant?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In a quantum mechanical analysis the energy of everything is related to Planck's constant, so if we're doing a quantum mechanical analysis of gravitational waves Planck's constant would be involved.

However, gravitational waves are predicted by and analyzed using general relativity which is not a quantum-mechanical theory, so Planck's constant isn't involved. It wil only come in when we develop a successful theory of quantum gravity.
 
I don't think this question is clear. I think you have some idea in mind, but that's not what you wrote.

Planck's constant is a constant. You can always multiply or divide by a constant - just like the number 4. So while the answer to your question is formally "yes", I don't think there is any meaning to it.
 
Last edited:
Reply
  • Like
Likes jim mcnamara

Thread 'Gravitational effects of a small black hole passing your body'

Abstract The gravitational effects of a Primordial Black Hole (PBH) passing through the human body are examined, with the goal of determining the minimum mass necessary to produce significant injury or death. Two effects are examined: The damage caused by a shock wave propagating outward from the black hole trajectory, and the dissociation of brain cells from tidal forces produced by the black hole on its passage through the human body. It is found that the former is the dominant effect...
View full post »

Similar threads

B Dimensional analysis peculiarity
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
I Planck's Constant times the speed of light
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
I The new definition of kg and the mass-energy equivalence
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
B Report shows gravity waves in clouds(?)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
I Mechanism of Energy Conservation in Zero-Amplitude Sum of EM Waveforms
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
B Quanta Magazine Video on Biggest Breakthroughs in Physics in 2023
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Can the force of gravity overcome the Planck force?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
I Varying dimensional universal constants
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
B Why can't gravity be just a form of magnetic attraction?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
B Gravity & Wave Forms: Interactions Explained
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K