Gravity waves and Planck's constant

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between gravitational waves and Planck's constant. While gravitational waves are analyzed through general relativity, which does not incorporate quantum mechanics, any quantum mechanical analysis of gravitational waves would involve Planck's constant. However, this relationship lacks practical significance until a successful theory of quantum gravity is developed. The participants emphasize the need for clarity in the question posed regarding this relationship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity and its principles
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics and Planck's constant
  • Knowledge of the concept of gravitational waves
  • Awareness of the current challenges in developing quantum gravity theories
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of general relativity and its implications for gravitational waves
  • Study quantum mechanics, focusing on the role of Planck's constant
  • Explore current theories and models of quantum gravity
  • Investigate the experimental detection of gravitational waves and their significance
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in theoretical physics, and students studying gravitational waves and quantum mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

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:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jim mcnamara

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K