Does the fabric of space itself cause friction?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of whether the fabric of space itself causes friction, particularly in the context of spacecraft movement in a vacuum and its implications for theories of relativity and gravitational effects. Participants explore various theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence related to this idea.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls a theory suggesting that the fabric of space has a texture that could cause friction, even in a vacuum, leading to spacecraft slowing down over time.
  • Another participant argues against this theory, stating it would violate principles of relativity, which assert no preferred inertial frame of reference.
  • Some participants mention the Pioneer anomaly as a potential explanation related to this concept, noting that no definitive answer has been reached.
  • Gravity Probe B is referenced as an experiment testing frame dragging, which some participants liken to a form of friction in spacetime, though its mechanical effects are questioned.
  • There is a discussion about the effects of spacetime twisting on objects near black holes, with differing views on whether this leads to a curved trajectory during gravitational interactions.
  • One participant asserts that if spacetime effects have no mechanical impact, then they would not be detectable by experimental mechanisms.
  • Another participant counters that there is indeed a mechanical effect, suggesting a disagreement on the implications of spacetime interactions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the theory that the fabric of space causes friction. There is no consensus on whether this concept aligns with established principles of relativity or has observable mechanical effects.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of the relationship between spacetime and mechanical effects, with unresolved questions about the implications of frame dragging and gravitational interactions on object trajectories.

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I remember reading a while ago that the fabric of space has a texture and thus would cause friction. Even in a perfect vacuum a spacecraft would slow down over time due to this.

Is this an accepted theory?
 
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No; I am sure its not an accepted theory because it would violate the basic principles behind relativity(no preferred inertial frame of reference). I've never heard of that theory either.
 
I think that is one explanation put forth for the acceleration of Pioneer ten. No definitive answer was ever determined, AFAIK.
 
well, there is Gravity probe B that is out there testing for frame dragging. This is kind of like friction, since the rotation of a body in space time causes the space time to drag with the body. This is like a mass - space time friction but I am not sure if it has any effects on mechanical friction.
 
Nenad said:
well, there is Gravity probe B that is out there testing for frame dragging. This is kind of like friction, since the rotation of a body in space time causes the space time to drag with the body. This is like a mass - space time friction but I am not sure if it has any effects on mechanical friction.

Yes, this is like friction, but only to spacetime. But it has no effect on mechanics, except for how the spacetime is twisted therefore causing changes in how, for example a body is sucked into a black hole... it gets sucked in with a slight curve
 
Mk said:
for example a body is sucked into a black hole... it gets sucked in with a slight curve

No actually it doesnt. We cannot see or sense this curve in space time which creates gravity. The object would not be sucked in with a curve.
 
Mk said:
Yes, this is like friction, but only to spacetime. But it has no effect on mechanics, except for how the spacetime is twisted therefore causing changes in how, for example a body is sucked into a black hole... it gets sucked in with a slight curve

If it has no mechanical effect, then the mechanism of the probe will not detect it, will it?
 
Exackly, there we go. It does have mechanical effect.
 

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