Gravitons: Relationship to Space-Time & Black Holes

Candidate_theoriesIn summary, the relationship between gravitons and the curvature of space-time is that gravitons are a hypothetical particle that mediate the gravitational interaction in theories of quantum gravity. The curvature of space-time is caused by stress-energy and is not instantaneous, but rather sets in or disappears gradually. Gravitons, unlike photons, are able to escape black holes. The existence of gravitons was postulated based on the need for a mediator particle in the gravitational interaction, similar to other fundamental interactions. The exact connection between gravitons and space-time curvature in quantum gravity theories is still being explored.
  • #1
Kairos
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1) What is the relationship between gravitons and the curvature of space-time?
2) As gravitons move at speed c, the curvature of space-time is not instantaneous either, so how the curvature sets in or disappears gradually (for theoretical example if mass disappears suddenly upon collision of matter and antimatter stars)
3) How gravitons, contrary to light photons, can escape black holes and thus from the space-time trap that they are supposed to create themselves?
4) What experimental or theoretical observation has necessitated to postulate the existence of these interaction particles?
 
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  • #2
I just saw under my question that the subject has already been addressed, I will read the old answers...
 
  • #3
Kairos said:
1) What is the relationship between gravitons and the curvature of space-time?
2) As gravitons move at speed c, the curvature of space-time is not instantaneous either, so how the curvature sets in or disappears gradually (for theoretical example if mass disappears suddenly upon collision of matter and antimatter stars)
3) How gravitons, contrary to light photons, can escape black holes and thus from the space-time trap that they are supposed to create themselves?
4) What experimental or theoretical observation has necessitated to postulate the existence of these interaction particles?
1) Gravitons are a hypothetical particle that mediate the gravitational interaction in theories of quantum gravity.

2) Spacetime curvature is caused by stress-energy, which is a conserved quantity. E.g. if a particle and anti-particle annihilate, then energy is conserved, even if particle rest mass is not.

3) They don't "escape black holes". This seems to be a common misconception. There are several thread on this.

4) The other fundamental interactions have a mediator particle. That's the role the graviton would play.
 
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  • #4
thanks for your corrections on points 2 and 3!
do quantum gravity theories connect space-time curvature and gravitons?
 
  • #5
Kairos said:
thanks for your corrections on points 2 and 3!
do quantum gravity theories connect space-time curvature and gravitons?
How GR and curved spacetime emerges from a theory of QG varies depending on the particular theory of QG. This page gives an introduction and a list of candidate theories:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_gravity
 
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1. What are gravitons?

Gravitons are theoretical particles that are believed to carry the force of gravity. They are predicted by the theory of quantum mechanics and are thought to be responsible for the attraction between objects with mass.

2. How do gravitons relate to space-time?

Gravitons are believed to be the particles that mediate the force of gravity in the fabric of space-time. They interact with other particles and objects, causing them to move towards each other and creating the curvature of space-time.

3. What is the relationship between gravitons and black holes?

Black holes are objects with such strong gravitational pull that not even light can escape from them. Gravitons play a crucial role in the formation and behavior of black holes, as they are responsible for the intense gravitational force that causes matter to collapse into a singularity.

4. Can gravitons be detected?

As of now, gravitons have not been directly detected. This is because they are extremely small and have very low energy, making them difficult to observe. However, scientists are working on experiments and technologies to potentially detect gravitons in the future.

5. How do gravitons fit into the larger understanding of physics?

Gravitons are an important piece of the puzzle in the field of quantum gravity, which aims to unify the theories of quantum mechanics and general relativity. They help explain the force of gravity at a quantum level and are crucial in understanding the behavior of space-time and black holes.

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