Chapter 16, Problem 44A

Gravitational waves are difficult to detect. Is this due to having long wavelengths or short ones? High energy or low energy?

To determine

To Explain: The gravitational waves are difficult to detect.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In 1915, Einstein proposed the existence of the gravitational wave in his general theory of relativity. According to him gravity is the result of the curvature in spacetime. Greater curvature in the spacetime is due to presence of large mass which results into the large gravity. When massive body accelerates, it creates a disturbance in the spacetime which results into the propagation of wave from the body is nothing but gravitational wave. Gravitational wave travels with the speed of light.

The first evidence of the gravitational wave was made successful after the detection of gravitational wave in 2015. But the detection of the gravitational waves is not easy task. In terms of the wavelength, the wavelength of the gravitational wave is very large. Wavelength of gravitational wave depends on the gravitational potential of source through which it is form.

Another approach to see the gravitational wave is by measuring its energy. Due to very small energy amplitude of gravitational wave, it is very difficult to detect it.

Conclusion:

Therefore, due to very small energy and large wavelength of gravitational wave, it is very difficult to detect them.