Are There Other Fields in General Relativity Besides the Gravitational Field?

In summary, there are two main fields used in general relativity: the stress-energy tensor field and the metric tensor field. These fields interact through the Einstein field equations, causing changes in the shape and structure of space-time. Other theories for gravitation may use different fields, but they are not mainstream and are mainly used in quantum gravity research.
  • #1
Quarlep
257
4
There is any field in General Relativity(I know gravitational field but it is not that which I mean)
Thanks
 
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  • #2
Assuming that you're asking how many fields are used in General Relativity and what are they,I should say that there is nothing in General Relativity which is technically called gravitational field.
The Einstein field equations contain two second-rank tensor fields,Stress-Energy and metric.Stress-Energy is the representative of everything which can cause gravitation,which is just any form of energy,from mass to force fields.
Metric is a property of space which determines its shape and structure.From metric,one can calculate the curvature of space,which here,is our 4-dimensional universe,the Space-Time.
The mechanism is,Stress-Energy tensor field changes the metric tensor field through Einstein field equations and so the shape of the Space-Time is modified by the energy present in it.Then,because everything has to follow the shape of Space-Time as it moves,the motion of objects and even the things which caused the gravitation,is affected.
Although there are other theories for gravitation which use different fields both in number and kind which are not main stream and are used mostly in Quantum Gravity research.
 
  • #3
Quarlep said:
There is any field in General Relativity(I know gravitational field but it is not that which I mean)

Eh? You're going to have to be more specific than that! There are an infinity of fields in general relativity other than the gravitational field.
 

1. What is the concept of a "field" in General Relativity?

A field in General Relativity refers to the mathematical representation of the gravitational force that exists in the fabric of spacetime. This force is caused by the presence of massive objects and is responsible for the curvature of spacetime.

2. How is the field described in General Relativity?

The field in General Relativity is described by a set of equations known as Einstein's field equations. These equations relate the curvature of spacetime to the distribution of matter and energy within it.

3. Can the field in General Relativity be observed or measured?

No, the field in General Relativity cannot be directly observed or measured. Its effects, such as gravitational lensing and the orbits of planets, can be observed and measured, but the field itself is a mathematical construct.

4. How does the field in General Relativity differ from the concept of a field in classical physics?

In classical physics, a field is considered to be a physical quantity that exists at every point in space. In General Relativity, the field is not a physical quantity, but rather a description of the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of matter and energy.

5. What is the significance of the field in General Relativity?

The field in General Relativity is significant because it provides a framework for understanding the nature of gravity and its effects on the universe. It also allows for the prediction and explanation of phenomena such as black holes and gravitational waves.

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