B How fast are gravitational forces transmitted?

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Gravitational forces, like electromagnetic forces, are believed to propagate at the speed of light, mediated by hypothetical particles called gravitons. However, the scenario of the Sun disappearing cannot be accurately analyzed within the framework of General Relativity, as it violates the laws of physics. Instead, discussions often focus on more feasible scenarios, such as the propagation of gravitational waves from events like black hole collisions, which do propagate at light speed. The complexities of General Relativity make it challenging to define changes in gravitational fields in a straightforward manner. Ultimately, the propagation of gravitational effects is constrained by the principles of relativity, emphasizing that any changes in gravitational influence must adhere to the speed of light.
  • #31
Vanadium 50 said:
My question is "if the OP disappears suddenly, how long does it take the thread to notice?"
(He hasn't been here since the OP)
The speed of postitons?
 
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  • #32
Posters are a field. They're always there; it's simply the contribution that fluctuates.
 
  • #33
DaveC426913 said:
Posters are a field.
Sometimes quite far afield.
 
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  • #34
DaveC426913 said:
Posters are a field. They're always there; it's simply the contribution that fluctuates.
Well, the smallest field has 2 elements, so ...
 

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