Graviton

In physics, the graviton is a hypothetical elementary particle that mediates the force of gravitation in the framework of quantum field theory. If it exists, the graviton is expected to be massless (because the gravitational force appears to have unlimited range) and must be a spin-2 boson. The spin follows from the fact that the source of gravitation is the stress–energy tensor, a second-rank tensor (compared to electromagnetism's spin-1 photon, the source of which is the four-current, a first-rank tensor). Additionally, it can be shown that any massless spin-2 field would give rise to a force indistinguishable from gravitation, because a massless spin-2 field must couple to (interact with) the stress–energy tensor in the same way that the gravitational field does. Seeing as the graviton is hypothetical, its discovery would unite quantum theory with gravity. This result suggests that, if a massless spin-2 particle is discovered, it must be the graviton, so that the only experimental verification needed for the graviton may simply be the discovery of a massless spin-2 particle.

Graviton (disambiguation)

A graviton is a hypothetical elementary particle that transmits the force of gravity.

Graviton may also mean:

See also

For the amusement ride, see Gravitron.

Graviton (comics)

Graviton (Franklin Hall) is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Avengers #158, dated April 1977. He was created by writer Jim Shooter and artist Sal Buscema. Over the years he has mainly opposed the Avengers in their various incarnations.

Originally a gravity researcher Franklin Hall gains the ability to control gravity, corrupted by the power he becomes a supervillain using the name "Graviton". He is confronted and defeated by the Avengers as he tried to destroy the facility where he did his original research. In subsequent appearances Graviton seems to struggle with control of his powers and often lose because of this. Graviton has appeared to have died on more than one occasion but has returned each time through various means. He later becomes part of Advanced Idea Mechanics' High Council as "Minister of Science".

Graviton has appeared in the The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes cartoon series and Franklin Hall (played by Ian Hart), Graviton's alter ego, appeared on an episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. where he researched "Gravitonium". While the show left it open that Hall could return as Graviton that has yet to occur.