Timeline for Conceptually, what does the amplitude term in the wave equation represent when describing a gravitational wave?
Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0
6 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
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| Dec 9, 2023 at 0:43 | comment | added | Tivity | @PaulT. Would the source term be encapsulated within the coefficient $A$ in $A\sin(\omega t - kx)$? | |
| Nov 10, 2023 at 22:36 | comment | added | Paul T. | You should search for existing answers, and if you cannot find anything ask that as a new question. | |
| Nov 10, 2023 at 21:28 | comment | added | Python House | Is there an equation the computes the value of $A$ in $A\sin(\omega t - kx)$. In other words, How is $A$ derived? | |
| Nov 10, 2023 at 14:42 | comment | added | Paul T. | Because GR is a non-linear theory, adding two solutions of the field equations does not produce a new solution. The correct thing to do is consider the whole system all together. The wave equation describes the propagation of waves, and in GR comes from making a linear approximation of the full field equations. To a very good approximation, two propagating low amplitude waves superimpose just fine. But the creation of GWs by a BH binary happens in a decidedly non-linear regime, and you cannot superimpose two individual BH solutions to figure it out. | |
| Nov 9, 2023 at 19:14 | comment | added | Python House | Given that the amplitude of a gravitational wave is determined by the orbital frequency and mass of the object, and considering that typical rotational systems involve two objects with the same orbital frequency but different masses. Then wouldn't each individual object produce its own gravitational wave with its own distinct amplitude? Hence, to accurately represent the gravitational wave generated in a binary system, wouldn't it be necessary to add together two wave equations depicting the superimposition of each individual wave each with its own amplitude? | |
| Nov 9, 2023 at 15:45 | history | answered | Paul T. | CC BY-SA 4.0 |