Gravity Goes Faster Than Light?

[Mazerakham]

I would have added this post to the other thread on Gravity, but I thought this was too theoretical of a segway, so it needed its own thread.

But, if gravity fields transmit instantaneously, then wouldn't it be a way of transmitting information faster than light? (Say, a sort of gravity Morse Code if you will).

If we had sensitive enough instruments (and some non-explosive way of making matter flash out of existence), then this would be practical for space missions, no?

 

[Nabeshin]

I assume you're talking about my thread, in which we are discussing Newtonian gravity. Newtonian gravity is a non-relativistic theory, so it's not compatible with the principles of relativity. In the theory of General Relativity, gravity waves travel at the speed of light, so there is no issue.

 

[nonequilibrium]

Why would you presume gravity goes faster than light? General relativity says it moves at c.

 

[Mazerakham]

Sorry. Thank you Nabeshin. I'm just a classical physics kind of guy, haven't really dabbled in this relativity stuff. Thanks.

But I thought someone in your thread was saying that, if gravity waves propagate at c, then there would be some sort of torque on the earth?

 

[PJC01]

I understand the fascination with the idea of gravity transmitting information faster than light. However, based on our current understanding of physics, this is not possible.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that gravity is not a force that "transmits" or travels through space. It is a fundamental property of matter that causes objects with mass to attract each other. This attraction is described by the theory of general relativity, which has been extensively tested and confirmed.

The theory of relativity also tells us that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. This is a fundamental limit of the universe, and no information or signal can surpass it. Therefore, it is not possible for gravity to transmit information faster than light, as it is not a force or signal that can be controlled or directed in that way.

Furthermore, even if we could somehow manipulate gravity fields to transmit information, it would still not be faster than light. This is because gravity fields, like all other forms of energy, also travel at the speed of light. They may seem to have an instantaneous effect, but that is because the speed of light is incredibly fast and we are not able to detect any delay.

In terms of practical applications for space missions, it is unlikely that gravity could be used as a means of communication. It is a very weak force and difficult to manipulate, and there are already more efficient and reliable methods of communication in space.

In conclusion, while the idea of gravity transmitting information faster than light may be intriguing, it is not supported by our current understanding of physics. As scientists, it is important to base our theories and hypotheses on well-established principles and evidence, rather than speculation or imagination.