[StizePypemype]

How does relativity describe things like sound and shock waves?

[Ayyfjicg]

Per se it doesn't. Relativity is not a theory of matter, it is a theory of space time within which matter acts. You can take an existing distribution of mass-energy and see what that does to space time or (less frequently) specify a space time condition and work out what distribution of mass you need to create it. But to actually describe the matter itself you need a different theory.

[Avaindimik]

ok. maybe I'm trying to get too much out of relativity. something bugs me about that particular limitation though. *shrug*

[AmericaAirline 111]

Gravity waves, undulations in space/time fit the bill.

[Bugamerka]

Gravity waves, undulations in space/time fit the bill.

The relativity concept of the gravity wave should be able to be able to be compared to any type of shock wave, having a common origin?

[SodeSceriobia]

The relativity concept of the gravity wave should be able to be able to be compared to any type of shock wave, having a common origin?

Not sure if I understand what you are getting at Postpocalypse, but yeah, gravitational radiation/waves could be compared to what we know as "shock waves"
In effect they are shock waves.

[cyslespitocop]

Not sure if I understand what you are getting at Postpocalypse, but yeah, gravitational radiation/waves could be compared to what we know as "shock waves"
In effect they are shock waves.

I was just trying to figure out what was bugging me. Do you know if there is any idea whether gravitational waves can be absorbed?

[NofFoomiTot]

I may be trying to figure out how to remove particle characteristics to represent any phenomena as waves only? If that is all that is bugging me, it probably isn't a big deal.

[ChyFDjfed]

I was just trying to figure out what was bugging me. Do you know if there is any idea whether gravitational waves can be absorbed?

Hmmmm...Good question!...Might need molly to answer that properly.
The intensity [peak and trough] of gravitational radiation does fall off fairly quickly, and if gravitational radiation pases through matter, it will stretch and elongate that matter in line with the intensity of the wave.
My guess is that gravity waves are neither absorbed and/or reflected, by intervening matter, but as its intensity does fall off, it could be said to interact with itself..

[erelvenewmeva]

Hmmmm...Good question!...Might need molly to answer that properly.
The intensity [peak and trough] of gravitational radiation does fall off fairly quickly, and if gravitational radiation pases through matter, it will stretch and elongate that matter in line with the intensity of the wave.
My guess is that gravity waves are neither absorbed and/or reflected, by intervening matter.

My guess is your right about absorption/reflection. I'll either figure out what is bugging me or simply cancel out a bunch of dead ends. *shrug*

One more question that might have an answer of interest. Is there a conceivable method(even an entirely artificial hypothetical concept) or scenario that would amplify gravity waves?

[Wsjltrhe]

I was just trying to figure out what was bugging me. Do you know if there is any idea whether gravitational waves can be absorbed?

In essence gravity waves travel through matter unabated or scattered.

[GohJHM9k]

One more question that might have an answer of interest. Is there a conceivable method(even an entirely artificial hypothetical concept) or scenario that would amplify gravity waves?

Just as a note, we are still yet to even detect gravitational waves. So while the theory exists, it's yet to be confirmed by any observations.

[textarchive]

Just as a note, we are still yet to even detect gravitational waves. So while the theory exists, it's yet to be confirmed by any observations.

Yep, just as have yet to directly detect DM and BH's....
We do though have reasonably good evidence for gravity waves, with the degrading of the orbits of a binary Pulsar system, with its discoverer being awarded the Nobel prize for.

Then of course we have a very expensive bit of equipment "LIGO" that is looking for them and plans in the near future of a system of 3 probes being sent beyond Orbit called LISA...Laser Interferometer Space Antenna.

[amimabremiBit]

Just as a note, we are still yet to even detect gravitational waves. So while the theory exists, it's yet to be confirmed by any observations.

sure. but as gravitational waves are a result of relatavity theory, I thought there may have been an entirely artificial 'thought experiment' type scenario that may have been contrived to study the overall nature of the proposed gravity wave. amplification or polarization seemed like likely candidates to scrutinise the gravity wave concept through.

[MarlboroCig]

sure. but as gravitational waves are a result of relatavity theory, I thought there may have been an entirely artificial 'thought experiment' type scenario that may have been contrived to study the overall nature of the proposed gravity wave. amplification or polarization seemed like likely candidates to scrutinise the gravity wave concept through.

I see no reason at all why we should doubt the existence of gravity waves, when similar distortions of space/time have already been verified...The Lense Thirring Effect, or Frame Dragging has been validated by GP-B. As well of course as the strong evidence pointing to their existence.