All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

LIGO stands for

This question was previously asked in
NDA II 2019 GAT Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2019)
The correct answer is

Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory

Understanding the Acronym LIGO

The question asks for the full form of the acronym LIGO. LIGO is a very important scientific project related to the study of the universe. Understanding acronyms in science is key for competitive exams and general knowledge.

Analyzing the Options for LIGO

Let's look at the options provided:

  • Option 1: Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory
  • Option 2: Light Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory
  • Option 3: Light Induced Gravity Observatory
  • Option 4: Laser Induced Gaseous Optics

We need to determine which of these options correctly represents what LIGO stands for.

Defining LIGO

LIGO is a large-scale physics experiment and observatory designed to detect cosmic gravitational waves. Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity. LIGO uses precise instruments called laser interferometers to measure tiny disturbances caused by passing gravitational waves.

Based on its purpose and technology, the name should reflect the use of lasers, interferometry, and its role as an observatory for gravitational waves.

Evaluating Each Option

  • Option 1: Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory
    This option includes "Laser Interferometer," which aligns with the technology used, and "Gravitational wave Observatory," which matches its scientific goal. This seems plausible.
  • Option 2: Light Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory
    While lasers use light, "Light Interferometer" is less specific than "Laser Interferometer," and the specific technology used is lasers.
  • Option 3: Light Induced Gravity Observatory
    This option uses "Light Induced Gravity," which does not accurately describe the phenomenon being studied (gravitational waves) or the mechanism of detection.
  • Option 4: Laser Induced Gaseous Optics
    This option mentions lasers but includes "Gaseous Optics," which is unrelated to the detection of gravitational waves.

Conclusion on LIGO's Meaning

Comparing the options with the known scientific name and purpose of the LIGO project, Option 1, Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory, is the correct and complete expansion of the acronym LIGO. The project involves using lasers and interferometers to detect gravitational waves by acting as an observatory.


Revision Table: Key LIGO Facts

Acronym Full Form Primary Goal Technology Used
LIGO Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory Detect cosmic gravitational waves Laser Interferometry

Additional Information about LIGO and Gravitational Waves

LIGO consists of two large observatories in the United States: one in Livingston, Louisiana, and one in Hanford, Washington. By having two widely separated detectors, scientists can confirm that a signal is a real gravitational wave and not just local noise. The first direct detection of gravitational waves was announced by the LIGO scientific collaboration in 2016, originating from the merger of two black holes. This detection was a landmark achievement, confirming a major prediction of Einstein's general relativity and opening a new window into observing the universe using gravitational waves, often called gravitational wave astronomy.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Which of the following statement about a satellite orbiting around the earth is correct?

  2. Two bodies of mass M each are placed R distance apart. In another system, two bodies of mass 2M each are placed R/2 distance apart. If F be the gravitational force between the bodies in the first system, then the gravitational force between the bodies in the second system will be

  3. In a vacuum, a five-rupee coin, a feather of a sparrow bird and a mango are dropped simultaneously from the same height. The time taken by them to reach the bottom is t 1, t 2and t 3respectively. In this situation, we will observe that

  4. If radius of the earth were to shrink by 1%, its mass remains the same, g would decrease by nearly

  5. A planet has a mass M 1and radius R 1. The value of acceleration due to gravity on its surface is g 1. There is another planet 2, whose mass and radius both are two times that of the first planet. Which one of the following is the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of planet 2?

  6. Suppose there are two planets, 1 and 2, having the same density but their radii are R 1and R 2respectively, where R 1> R 2. The accelerations due to gravity on the surface of these planets are related as

  7. ‘Black hole’ is a

  8. Which one of the following statement is true for the relation, \(F= \frac{{G{m_1}{m_2}}}{{{r^2}}}\) ?

    (All symbols have their usual meanings)
  9. The radius of the Moon is about one-fourth that of the Earth and acceleration due to gravity on the moon is about one-sixth that on the earth. From this, we can conclude that the ratio of the mass of earth to the mass of the moon is about

  10. Suppose the force of gravitation between two bodies of equal masses is F. If each mass is doubled keeping the distance of separation between them unchanged, the force would become


Important Questions from Gravitation

  1. The known forces of nature can be divided into four classes, viz., gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force. With reference to them, which one of the following statements is not correct?

  2. A spacecraft of mass m = 1000 kg has a fully reflecting sail that is oriented perpendicular to the direction of the sun. The sun radiates 10 26 W and has a mass M = 10 30  kg. Ignoring the effect of the planets, for the gravitational pull of the sun to balance the radiation pressure on the sail, the area of the sail will be
  3. The force of attraction between two bodies separated by a distance of d is F. The distance for which the force of attraction between them is 64 F is ________.

  4. If two satellites of masses m1 and m2 are revolving around a earth in a circular orbits of radius r1 and r2, then the ratio of their orbital velocities \(\dfrac{v_1}{v_2}\) is

  5. A women whose mass is 60 kg on the earth surface is in an spacecraft at an altitude of two times the earth radius. Her mass there is

Need Expert Advice?
Test Series
NDA img
Defence
NDA 2026 Mock Test Series (Latest Pattern)
503 Tests 1 Tests Free
1066 Attempts
4.6(137)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App