Understanding accelerated frame in general relativity

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between gravity and the concept of an accelerating frame in general relativity. It is debated whether the equivalence principle directly leads to curved spacetime, and the distinction is made between the principle and curvature in terms of regions of spacetime. The topic of special relativity is also brought up.
  • #1
cramis1
1
0
Hello,
apologies if this has been asked before but I couldn't find it upon searching...

My block to understanding general relativity has always been how the idea of gravity being the same as an accelerating frame leads to a a curved space-time?
What about the fact of not knowing whether you are in an accelerated frame or within a gravitational field results in the idea of a space-time and objects having the ability to bend space-time, and therefore, attract other objects?

Thanks
cram
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi cramis1, welcome to PF!
cramis1 said:
What about the fact of not knowing whether you are in an accelerated frame or within a gravitational field results in the idea of a space-time and objects having the ability to bend space-time, and therefore, attract other objects?
I don't think that the equivalence principle leads directly to curved spacetime (at least I don't know the derivation if there is one). I think that it is more along the lines that the equivalence principle is a feature that we would like our theory of gravity to exhibit regardless of how the theory was obtained.

The equivalence principle is usually stated in terms of uniform acceleration or small regions of spacetime where tidal effects can be neglected. Curvature on the other hand deals with regions of spacetime where tidal effects cannot be neglected.

What is your knowledge of special relativity (SR)? Are you familiar with spacetime diagrams, four-vectors, and the geometric interpretation of SR?
 
Last edited:

1. What is an accelerated frame in general relativity?

An accelerated frame in general relativity is a reference frame in which an observer experiences a non-zero acceleration. This means that the observer's velocity and/or direction of motion is changing over time.

2. How does general relativity explain accelerated frames?

In general relativity, accelerated frames are explained through the concept of curved spacetime. According to Einstein's theory, gravity is not a force between masses, but rather a result of the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. In an accelerated frame, the observer experiences a curvature of spacetime, which manifests as a non-zero acceleration.

3. How does the theory of relativity differ from Newtonian mechanics in relation to accelerated frames?

In Newtonian mechanics, accelerated frames are explained by the presence of a force acting on an object. However, in the theory of relativity, accelerated frames are explained by the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. This fundamental difference is a key aspect of Einstein's theory of relativity.

4. Can an observer in an accelerated frame detect the curvature of spacetime?

Yes, an observer in an accelerated frame can detect the curvature of spacetime. This is because the observer will experience a non-zero acceleration, which is a result of the curvature of spacetime. The observer can also detect the curvature through experiments, such as the famous experiment conducted by Einstein using a rotating disk.

5. How does time dilation and length contraction apply to an observer in an accelerated frame?

According to the theory of relativity, time dilation and length contraction are effects that occur due to the relative motion between two frames of reference. In an accelerated frame, the observer experiences a non-zero acceleration, which means their frame of reference is constantly changing. This can result in time dilation and length contraction effects, which have been observed and confirmed through various experiments.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
938
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
51
Views
2K
Replies
36
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
25
Views
847
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
54
Views
2K
Back
Top