What Are Gravity Waves and How Do They Work?

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Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by accelerating masses, as described by General Relativity (GR). Unlike Newtonian gravity, which lacks a finite speed of propagation and does not account for gravitational waves, GR allows for waves that propagate at the speed of light. These waves can be detected through experiments like LIGO, which uses laser interferometry to measure minute changes in distance caused by passing waves. The discussion highlights the analogy of gravity waves to ripples in a pond, emphasizing that while both involve oscillations, gravitational waves are four-dimensional and affect time as well. Understanding gravitational waves involves recognizing their continuous nature and the complexities of their interaction with mass and spacetime.
  • #31
Creator said:
Antiphon said:
In a way- the wavelength should shorten as they fall in and lengthen as
they leave the [gravity] well. Shorter wavelengths have higher energy but not
higher amplitude.

Would you mind stating what empirical or theoretical evidence you have for believing that? Not that I have evidence to the contrary; just want to see how you arrived at that conclusion.

When the gravity wave (which carries energy and momentum) is climbing
out of the gravity well, it has to do work againt the well's field. This work
equals the energy that it picked up on the way down into the well.

While in the well, the extra energy shows up as a higher frequency which
is also a shorter wavelength since the speed is always measured as c.
 
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