Question regarding gravitational waves

AI Thread Summary
Gravitational waves from a star 10 light-years away will take 10 years to reach Earth, as they propagate at the speed of light (c). The discussion confirms that for small amplitude gravitational waves, such as those produced by an exploding star, the speed remains constant. There is no need for complex equations; simple math suffices for this problem. The propagation speed does not vary based on the source, only the magnitude of the waves may differ. Thus, the initial answer of 10 years is correct.
blueberrynerd
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Homework Statement


A star 10 light-years away explodes and produces gravitational waves. How long will it take these waves to reach the earth?


Homework Equations


The problem is, I don't know what equations to use or if it's just a matter of simple math.


The Attempt at a Solution


My answer is that it takes 10 years to reach the Earth, but something tells me that this is wrong. Can anyone help me solve this problem or tell me if my answer is correct? :frown:
 
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blueberrynerd said:

Homework Statement


A star 10 light-years away explodes and produces gravitational waves. How long will it take these waves to reach the earth?


Homework Equations


The problem is, I don't know what equations to use or if it's just a matter of simple math.


The Attempt at a Solution


My answer is that it takes 10 years to reach the Earth, but something tells me that this is wrong. Can anyone help me solve this problem or tell me if my answer is correct? :frown:

As far as I know, gravitational waves propagate with speed c.
 
The answer will depend on whether you are required to take into account the metric expansion of space; if not than your answer is correct as the waves propagate at the speed of light.
 
Do all gravitational waves propagate at the same speed? Is it only the magnitude which varies, according to the body of matter that produced the waves?
 
blueberrynerd said:
Do all gravitational waves propagate at the same speed? Is it only the magnitude which varies, according to the body of matter that produced the waves?

For small amplitude gravitational waves they propagate at speed c. An exploding star counts as a small amplitude wave. Just use c.
 
Thanks a bunch! :biggrin:
 

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