Quantum gravity vs. general relativity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the theoretical implications of gravitons in distinguishing between gravitational fields and acceleration. Participants assert that a perfect graviton detector would not identify virtual gravitons present in static gravitational fields, similar to how photon detectors fail to register virtual photons in static electric fields. The Unruh effect is referenced, indicating that an accelerating observer can detect thermal photons, but this does not apply to static fields. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the limitations of gravitons as a complete description of gravity, emphasizing their utility in specific contexts rather than as fundamental particles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Unruh effect in quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with the concepts of virtual particles in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of gravitational waves and their properties
  • Basic principles of general relativity and spacetime geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Unruh effect and its implications for particle detection
  • Explore the concept of virtual particles and their role in quantum field theory
  • Study gravitational waves and their detection methods, such as LIGO and LISA
  • Investigate alternative theories of gravity beyond general relativity, such as loop quantum gravity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the nuances of quantum gravity and the limitations of current gravitational theories.

  • #31
That seems to be rather interseristing for special cases in QM. But how does it affect my statement "even in well-understood theories like QCD the plane waves are a very poor approximation ..."?
 
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  • #32
Plane waves are the initial approximations for PT calculations. My simple QM example may serve to estimate the meson masses from PT calculations. Concerning three-quark baryons, it is probably harder but I think it is still possible.

Of course, the plane waves without PT corrections are poor approximations.

Bob.
 
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  • #33
kashiark said:
Let's suppose gravitons exist, and you have a machine that is 100% effective at detecting them. If you were in a room with no windows, and there is an apparent gravitational field, then would using this machine let you tell if you were in a gravitational field or accelerating?

I'm being (somewhat) whimsical here, but a simple bathroom scale can be used to detect gravitons. If there is a reading on the scale, you have gravitons, if not, you don't. The interesting thing about this (whimsical) situation is that if the scale is accelerating, it turns out to display a reading, which would imply that acceleration generates gravitons!
 
  • #34
I think we are mixing different things:
a) are gravitons only small quantum exitations of the gravitational field?
b) or is a static field composed of gravitons?
c) if b) does acceleration generate gravitons?

I think that gravitons in the sense of a) are a very special concept that has been shown not to produce a viable theory; therefore I think b) is the rigth answer. And that means that I have to admit that c) is correct, too.

Neverthelesee, I still think we that don't agree what gravitons really are.
 
  • #35
tom.stoer said:
I think we are mixing different things:
a) are gravitons only small quantum exitations of the gravitational field?
b) or is a static field composed of gravitons?
c) if b) does acceleration generate gravitons?

I think that gravitons in the sense of a) are a very special concept that has been shown not to produce a viable theory; therefore I think b) is the rigth answer. And that means that I have to admit that c) is correct, too.

Neverthelesee, I still think we that don't agree what gravitons really are.

I forgot the name of it, but there is a theory that proposes acceleration is quantized. It is used to explain dark matter, and the Pioneer annomoly. So if gravity is equivalent to acceleration, then are gravitons a form of quantized acceleration in general?
 
  • #36
Are you talking about MOND (= modified Newtonian dynamics)? It seems to explain DM, but acceleration is not quantizied, as far as I know.
 

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