Question about the nature of Gravitation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of gravitation, contrasting its explanations in General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory. According to General Relativity, gravitation results from the curvature of the space-time continuum, leading to the detection of gravitational waves. Quantum Field Theory posits that gravitation is mediated by the hypothetical graviton. However, participants conclude that gravitation itself does not exhibit wave-particle duality, although gravitons, if they exist, would adhere to this principle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Theory of Relativity
  • Familiarity with Quantum Field Theory
  • Knowledge of wave-particle duality
  • Basic concepts of gravitational waves
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  • Research the implications of gravitational waves in modern physics
  • Study the properties and theoretical implications of gravitons
  • Explore the differences between classical forces and quantum forces
  • Read the paper on wave-particle duality linked in the discussion
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Physicists, students of modern physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental nature of gravitation and its theoretical frameworks.

Swapnil Das
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Hello.

Modern Physics explains Gravitation in two general ways:
  • In accordance to the General Theory of Relativity, Gravitation is thought of as an effect of the curvature of space-time continuum. This results in the formation of the recently and famously detected Gravitational Waves.
  • Quantum Field Theory explains Gravitation to be mediated by a hypothetical particle called the graviton.
So can we say that even Gravitation obeys wave particle duality? Please express your views.

Thanks!

Swapnil
 
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Swapnil Das said:
So can we say that even Gravitation obeys wave particle duality?

No. Gravitation is like the electric force. An electron or photon obeys the wave-particle duality, but the electric force does not. Gravitons, if they exist, would obey the same duality, but gravitation would not.
 
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Drakkith said:
No. Gravitation is like the electric force. An electron or photon obeys the wave-particle duality, but the electric force does not. Gravitons, if they exist, would obey the same duality, but gravitation would not.
Thanks for your valuable reply!
 
The wave-particle duality is a property of a wavefunction, not of a force. A graviton is a perturbation of a vacuum and has a certain wavefunction in the quantum formalism. Hence it will obey the wave-particle duality.

Btw, see chapter 2 of this paper,

http://arxiv.org/pdf/quant-ph/0609163.pdf

by one of our PF-users, for a clear explanation of the duality.
 
Gravitons have not been detected, although if they were that would certainly upset a few apple carts.
 

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