How fast are gravitational forces transmitted?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the transmission speed of gravitational forces, specifically in the context of a hypothetical scenario where the Sun disappears. Participants clarify that gravity is mediated by gravitons, which travel at the speed of light, similar to electromagnetic forces. However, they emphasize that the scenario of the Sun vanishing cannot be analyzed within the framework of General Relativity (GR) as it violates physical laws. Instead, they suggest that changes in gravitational fields, such as those from colliding black holes, can be studied, with gravitational waves propagating at light speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR)
  • Knowledge of gravitational waves and their propagation
  • Familiarity with the concept of exchange particles, specifically gravitons
  • Basic principles of electromagnetic forces and fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and implications of gravitational waves in General Relativity
  • Study the role of gravitons in theoretical physics
  • Explore the limitations of hypothetical scenarios in physics, particularly in GR
  • Investigate the Liénard–Wiechert tensor potentials and their application in gravitational contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of gravity and its propagation in the universe.

  • #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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