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Do objects absorb or reflect gravitational waves?

Physics Asked on March 31, 2021

We all know that objects can absorb and reflect electromagnetic waves. It stands to reason the same might be true for gravitational waves.

One Answer

Yes, objects can scatter and absorb gravitational waves.

For example, this paper considers the scattering and absorption of gravitational plane waves by rotating black holes.

And this answer discusses how much energy the Earth absorbs when a gravitational wave passes through it. (It’s miniscule.)

Historically, Feynman’s sticky bead argument helped settle early controversies over whether gravitational waves carried energy that could be absorbed and in principle detected.

Answered by G. Smith on March 31, 2021

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