How quickly does a change in gravity affect its surrounding?

In summary, gravity is typically measured using a device called a gravimeter, which measures the acceleration of objects due to gravity. The speed at which a change in gravity occurs depends on the mass and distance of the objects involved, and generally occurs at the speed of light. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, gravity cannot change instantaneously, but rather takes time to be felt by surrounding objects. A change in gravity can affect the motion of surrounding objects, either pulling them closer together or causing them to move away. Currently, there is no known way to artificially change or manipulate gravity, but scientists continue to research and study its potential applications.
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Fowler
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If the gravity of an object changes ( due to it's energy changing into mass ) how quickly does a second object get affected by this change in gravity? Is it instantaneous?
If so then could information be transported faster than the speed of light using changes in gravity?

Of course I can't see how this would be possible, but can somebody please explain where I've went wrong. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
The rate at which a gravitational force "travels" is the speed of light.
 
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  • #3
Yup. Gravitational change propagates at c.
 
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Related to How quickly does a change in gravity affect its surrounding?

1. How is gravity measured?

Gravity is typically measured using a device called a gravimeter, which measures the acceleration of objects due to gravity.

2. How quickly does a change in gravity occur?

The speed at which a change in gravity occurs depends on the mass and distance of the objects involved. In general, changes in gravity occur at the speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

3. Can gravity change instantaneously?

No, gravity cannot change instantaneously. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, gravity travels at the speed of light, so it takes time for a change in gravity to be felt by surrounding objects.

4. How does a change in gravity affect its surrounding objects?

A change in gravity can affect the motion of surrounding objects. For example, if gravity increases, objects will be pulled towards each other with greater force, causing them to move closer together. Similarly, if gravity decreases, objects will experience less force and may move away from each other.

5. Can gravity be artificially changed or manipulated?

Currently, there is no known way to artificially change or manipulate gravity. However, scientists are constantly researching and studying ways to harness the power of gravity for practical applications.

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