The Absurdity of Detecting Gravitational Waves

What phenomenon was created when two black holes merged 1.3 billion years ago?

• A new galaxy

• A supernova explosion

• Gravitational waves

• A giant black hole

How much do gravitational waves typically stretch and squeeze space?

• By the width of a human hair

• By 1 part in 10^21

• By 4 kilometers

• By the size of a hydrogen atom

Why are the arms of the LIGO interferometers 4 kilometers long?

• To make them easier to build

• To allow for the detection of very tiny changes in distance

• To avoid interference from local traffic

• To generate more powerful laser beams

What is a crucial requirement for the laser used in gravitational wave detectors like LIGO?

• It must be able to change its wavelength frequently

• It must produce a wide range of light colors

• Its wavelength must be extremely stable

• It needs to be very small and portable

How much power does the laser in the detector arms use?

• 1 kilowatt

• 1 megawatt

• 1 gigawatt

• 1 terawatt

Why was the air removed from the arms of the detector?

• To make the arms lighter.

• To prevent the light from interfering with the air.

• To cool down the equipment.

• To make the laser beam stronger.

What effect do gravitational waves have on spacetime and light?

• They make spacetime shrink and light brighter.

• They make spacetime stretch and light dimmer.

• They stretch spacetime, which also stretches light traveling through it.

• They compress spacetime, which makes light travel faster.

What is the main factor that limits how sensitive gravitational wave detectors can be?

• The size of the detector arms.

• The power of the laser.

• Quantum mechanics.

• The smoothness of the mirrors.