The Everything of Theory: Waves

[Brian O'Donnell]

Are gravitational waves and electromagnetic waves aspects of the same phenomenon and can we use this to unite the worlds of gravity and electromagnetism?
First of all, let us assume that gravitational waves do exist and are distortions of the fabric of spacetime itself. They have low frequencies and low energies compared with electromagnetic waves. But there is an overlap between a few Hz and about 100,000Hz where they have frequencies comparable with extremely long wavelength radio waves. If both types are ultimately vibrations in space itself, they should be observable by both gravitational wave detectors and radio antennae tuned to the right frequency.
It is more likely, however, that they are related in a more complex manner. They might be similar types of vibration in more than three dimensions, or it may be necessary to introduce an electromagnetic 'ether' within the same three dimensional space. Alternatively, we might have two different modes of vibration within the same space.
Pursuing the last of these options, electromagnetic waves are conventionally seen as having transverse electrical and magnetic components at right angles. Some alternative models show light as particles travelling in a helical path. Gravitational waves appear to be essentially longitudinal waves compressing and rarefying space as the wave-front passes but the mathematical model of a gravitational beam has two components at 45 degrees, implying a transverse nature. If different combinations of transverse, longitudinal and torsional waves can be made to fit the abstract mathematics for gravitational and electro-magnetic waves, there is the possibility of a unified overview of radiant energy within conventional three dimensional space.
A further approach is to see electromagnetic waves as high frequency ripples on a low frequency ocean swell of gravitational waves. This could work at least as far as the above mentioned overlap in frequencies.
Getting a good picture of gravitational waves is not easy. Verbal articles are often over-simplefied and the mathematical equations need specialist knowledge. So if anyone out there can clear up some of the above questions or respond to any of the implications, please do so via the reply box.

[Max™]

It is a matter of twists.

The gravitational waves could be thought of as those with low or minimal twisting, electromagnetic waves have that helical description you mentioned, a twist or rotation perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

They are often treated as being of two different mediums, but it seems to be just a matter of the energy present and the different topographical reactions and interactions of twisted/ing waves compared to untwisted ones.

[Brian O'Donnell]

Thank you for your comment, Max.
I can think of two forms of torsional wave.
In the first of these, a 'slinky' is jerked clockwise (or anti-clockwise) to produce a pulse which has an angular momentum together with a forwards (longitudinal) momentum thus making up a helix.
In the second case, the 'slinky' is jerked clockwise and then anti-clockwise in a repeating manner, setting up a kind of reciprocating torsional wave. The energy put in at one end will travel along the axis of rotation to be manifested as energy at the far end.
Now remove the 'slinky' and imagine space itself twisting and untwisting under stresses and strains.
These motions combined with transverse and longitudinal waves might explain how different types of radiant energy can exist in the same space at the same time.

[Max™]

Different directions of orientation, and different wavelengths, yep.

There are no different types of radiant energy, everything (including matter) is just light, which is just ripples in space. :P