How fast do gravitational waves travel in vacuum?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When considering how fast gravitational waves propagate in vacuum, we need to recall the predictions of general relativity and the experimental confirmations.
Option 1: 'At the speed of light' aligns with the theory, which states that gravitational waves travel at the same speed as electromagnetic waves in vacuum, i.e., the speed of light. This is supported by gravitational wave observations and their electromagnetic counterparts, which are consistent with c.
Option 2: 'They cannot travel through a vacuum' is incorrect because gravitational waves, unlike some mechanical waves, propagate through spacetime itself and do not require a medium; they travel through vacuum just fine.
Option 3: 'At the speed of sound' is incorrect because the speed of sound depends on a medium's properties (density, elasticity) and is vastly slower than light. Gravitational waves are not acoustic phenomena and do not travel at sonic speeds.
Option 4: 'Faster than light' contradicts both relativity and observational data; no known information carries energy or information faster than light, and gravitational waves have been constrained to travel at essentially c with no measurable superluminal speed.
Thus, evaluating each statement in light of current physics, the stated speed—equal to the speed of light—matches established theory and evidence.

How fast do gravitational waves travel in vacuum?

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