An evanescent wave is to Newtonian gravity as a radio wave is to a gravitational wave
Evanescent Wave vs. Newtonian Gravity
Evanescent Wave: This is a unique electromagnetic phenomenon that does not propagate. Instead, it is a near-field effect that diminishes exponentially with distance, commonly observed in situations like waveguides or total internal reflection.
Newtonian Gravity: This concept describes a static, non-radiative field characterized by immediate action-at-a-distance. It means that there is no delay or wave-like behavior in how gravitational forces are transmitted.
Connection: Both evanescent waves and Newtonian gravity illustrate localized, non-radiative interactions. Importantly, they do not dynamically transmit energy across spacetime.
Radio Wave vs. Gravitational Wave
Radio Wave: This is an electromagnetic wave that propagates through space (known as far-field radiation) and carries energy at the speed of light.
Gravitational Wave: According to general relativity, this refers to ripples in spacetime that also propagate and carry energy at the speed of light.
Connection: Both radio waves and gravitational waves are far-field, radiative phenomena governed by wave equations—Maxwell’s equations for radio waves and Einstein’s equations for gravitational waves.
Illustration: Both evanescent and oceanic wave sizes decrease exponentially with increasing distance.