Gravitational waves predicted by Einstein

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential discovery of gravitational waves and how it may affect Einstein's theory of general relativity. The article mentioned suggests that the discovery of gravitational waves may require a revision of general relativity, but some argue that it could actually confirm the theory. The conversation also mentions that while gravitational waves have been indirectly shown to exist, they have yet to be directly detected. The potential detection of gravitational waves would open up new possibilities in astronomy, but there is uncertainty surrounding their frequency and efficiency. It is not proposed as a test of general relativity.
  • #1
BruceW
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I've read a newspaper article which claims: "If the search for gravitational waves succeeds, then Einstein's theory of general relativity may have to be revised"
But I thought that Einstein predicted gravitational waves, so surely if they are found, it would confirm general relativity.
I don't know much about general relativity, so I thought I'd ask here to see if the article is right or not.
 
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  • #2
I think it should be reversed. If LIGO still doesn't find gravity waves, then maybe something has to be done.
 
  • #3
Gravitational waves have already been indirectly shown to exist http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSR_B1913+16 , and the rate of radiation matches up perfectly with general relativity's prediction. Nobody has any doubt that they exist. They are required to exist according to GR, so the title of the article does seem backward.

What nobody has done yet is to detect gravitational waves directly. If they are detected directly, the main reason it would be exciting is that it would open up a new window on astronomy, allowing us to look at the results of extremely energetic processes like mergers of black holes. AFAIK, predictions of the frequency with which a device like LIGO would detect such events are extremely uncertain, since we don't know how common such exotic events are, and there may also be some uncertainty about how efficiently they radiate gravitational waves. For this reason, the detection or nondetection of gravitational waves directly is not, AFAIK, proposed as a test of GR.
 
  • #4
it can be true what u said...means...garvitational waves if exist could contradict the general theory of relativity...on the other hand if these waves just show charecteristics such as other waves does...we can bring out some quantum description of gravity...
 

Related to Gravitational waves predicted by Einstein

1. What are gravitational waves predicted by Einstein?

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time that are predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. They are created by the movement of massive objects, such as two orbiting black holes or the collision of neutron stars.

2. How were gravitational waves predicted by Einstein?

Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves in 1916 as a consequence of his theory of general relativity. He proposed that when massive objects accelerate, they create ripples in the fabric of space-time that travel at the speed of light.

3. How are gravitational waves detected?

Gravitational waves are detected using highly sensitive instruments called interferometers. These devices use lasers and mirrors to measure tiny changes in the length of space caused by passing gravitational waves.

4. What are the potential applications of gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves can provide valuable information about the universe and its origins. They can also be used to study the properties of black holes and other massive objects, as well as test the predictions of Einstein's theory of general relativity.

5. How do gravitational waves differ from electromagnetic waves?

Gravitational waves and electromagnetic waves are both forms of energy that travel through space. However, gravitational waves are created by the movement of massive objects, while electromagnetic waves are created by the movement of charged particles. Additionally, gravitational waves can travel through any medium, while electromagnetic waves can only travel through a vacuum.

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