what’s a gravity wave

Question

I understand that gravity is the curvature of space time. If that’s true, doesn’t it fully explain gravity? Why do we need gravity waves and/or gravitons?

In: 39

Answer 1

I am not a physicist, so please correct me if I’m wrong, but my understanding is that gravity waves are the result of the curvature of space time.

If we use the familiar metaphor of a bowling ball bending the fabric of a trampoline, then a gravity wave would be like a sudden disturbance (say dropping the bowling ball on the trampoline from a height) sending ripples out in the fabric in all directions, until the ball and trampoline settle.