Is there a smallest possible gravitational wave?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the existence of a smallest possible gravitational wave and whether there is a quantum energy level below which gravitational waves cannot be produced. Participants explore the implications of mass acceleration on gravitational wave generation, particularly in the context of quantum gravity and the behavior of subatomic particles like electrons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that gravitational waves are produced by accelerating masses, questioning if there is a threshold below which no waves are generated.
  • One participant mentions the lack of a theory of quantum gravity, suggesting that the uncertainty surrounding the production of gravitational waves at small accelerations remains unresolved.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of gravitons as quanta of gravitational waves, indicating that if the acceleration is too small, the probability of producing a graviton may be less than one.
  • A further contribution suggests that the energy of gravitational wave quanta is dependent on the geometry of the objects involved, implying that distance may influence the minimum energy required for wave production.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the existence of a smallest gravitational wave, with no consensus reached on the matter. Multiple competing views remain, particularly regarding the relationship between mass acceleration, quantum gravity, and gravitational wave production.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the unresolved nature of quantum gravity theories and the dependence of gravitational wave energy on geometric relationships, which may not be fully understood in the current discussion.

Cato
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An accelerating mass produces gravitational waves. Is there a smallest possible gravitational wave? Is there some quantum energy level lower than which a wave will not be produced? For example, would a slowly accelerated electron produce any gravitational waves at all?
 
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This is an interesting question that we debated in my GR class. I think that since we don't have a theory of quantum gravity, nobody knows for certain. Presumably gravitational waves come in gravitons, which are quanta of energy = ħω. Then if the mass acceleration is too small to produce a single graviton, a graviton would be produced with some probability less than 1. I'll be interested to hear what others have to say.
 
Thanks for your response, phyzguy. I'm interested in hearing what others might say, too. Possibly we don't know enough to answer definitively?
 
Cato said:
An accelerating mass produces gravitational waves. Is there a smallest possible gravitational wave? Is there some quantum energy level lower than which a wave will not be produced? For example, would a slowly accelerated electron produce any gravitational waves at all?

If there is a smallest possible, it is very small indeed. The energy of quanta depend on geometry. It's a relationship between two objects. The further apart two objects are, the smaller the minimum energy. Ten billion light years of wave length? Why not.
 

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