Unraveling the Mystery of Gravity's Non-Renormalizability

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of renormalization in quantum physics and why gravity cannot be renormalized. The speaker, who is a novice in the field, requests for a less technical explanation and understands that renormalization is used to address infinities in quantum field theories. They also point out that electromagnetism is renormalizable because the quantum of light, photon, is a spin 1 particle while gravity, represented by the graviton, is a spin 2 particle and thus non-renormalizable. The reason for this difference is not fully understood.
  • #1
ASD16
15
0
why can't gravity be renormalized?? i am just a novice in quantum physics...so i wud request to have an answer in a less technical way...
 
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  • #2
Do you understand what renormalization means, and why electromagnetism *can* be renormalized?
 
  • #3
i do understand wat it means...but of course i don't know the complete mathematics involved in it...correct me if my concept is wrong...it is a method used to cancel the infinities that come up in quantum field theories...on the other hand...how much i understand...electromagnetism is renormalizable becoz the quantum of light photon is a spin 1 particle...whereas graviton is a spin 2 particle...and so non-renormalizable...but y??
 

FAQ: Unraveling the Mystery of Gravity's Non-Renormalizability

What is renormalization and why is it important in the study of gravity?

Renormalization is a mathematical technique used to remove infinities that arise in quantum field theories. In the context of gravity, it is important because it allows us to make meaningful predictions about the behavior of gravity at very small scales, where classical theories of gravity break down.

How does renormalization help us understand the behavior of gravity at different energy scales?

Renormalization allows us to understand how the behavior of gravity changes as we probe it at different energy scales. By removing infinities and adjusting the parameters of our theory, we can see how gravity behaves at very high energies, such as during the early moments of the universe, or at very small distances, such as near the event horizon of a black hole.

What challenges do scientists face when trying to renormalize gravity?

One of the main challenges in renormalizing gravity is that it is a non-renormalizable theory, meaning that the techniques used in other quantum field theories do not work. This is due to the fact that gravity is a fundamentally different type of force compared to the other fundamental forces in nature. As a result, alternative approaches, such as string theory, have been developed to try to overcome this challenge.

How does renormalization relate to the search for a theory of quantum gravity?

Renormalization is a crucial tool in the search for a theory of quantum gravity. By helping us understand the behavior of gravity at different energy scales, it guides us towards a more complete theory that can unify gravity with the other fundamental forces in nature. It also highlights the need for a new approach to gravity, as the traditional methods of renormalization do not work in this context.

What are some current developments in the study of renormalization and gravity?

Currently, there is ongoing research into alternative approaches to renormalizing gravity, such as using supersymmetry or extra dimensions. There is also a growing interest in the holographic principle, which suggests that gravity can be described in terms of a lower-dimensional quantum field theory. These developments have the potential to shed new light on the nature of gravity and contribute to the search for a theory of quantum gravity.

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