Correlating/deriving space time bend with law of gravitation

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between mass and space-time curvature, as well as the formula for gravitation according to the universal law of gravitation. The possibility of calculating the amount of space-time curvature using this formula is brought up, but it is noted that the inverse square law is only an approximation and cannot be used in this way. The conversation also touches on the consistency between general relativity and Newton's law of gravity, with the conclusion that they are consistent under certain conditions.
  • #1
San K
911
1
We know that

1. Mass causes bend in space-time and this is the how gravitation occurs.

2. The formula for gravitation (per the universal law of gravitation) is product of masses divided by the square of the distance between them and multiplied by the universal gravitation constant.

I wonder if the following been done:

Calculate the amount of "bend" in space time via use of 1 & 2 above.

for example take Earth and sun. both are causing "bends" (3D/4D) in space-time.
 
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  • #2
No, you can't. The inverse square law is an approximate special case solution of the Einstein field equations for weak potential and low velocity.
 
  • #3
You're comparing apples and oranges. Force is an interaction between two objects. Curvature is an effect on spacetime that can come from a single object. If you go to a patch of empty interplanetary space, you'll have curvature due to the sun, but there is no force.

But I think the thrust of what you're asking is whether general relativity is consistent with Newton's law of gravity. The answer is yes, in the case of weak fields and velocities much less than c. That's required by the correspondence principle: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Correspondence_principle
 

1. How does the law of gravitation relate to the bending of space-time?

The law of gravitation states that objects with mass attract each other, causing a force of attraction. This force of attraction is what causes the bending of space-time. As objects with mass move through space, they create a curvature in the fabric of space-time, similar to how a heavy object placed on a sheet would cause it to curve.

2. Can you explain the concept of space-time bending in simpler terms?

Imagine space as a flat sheet and objects with mass as heavy balls placed on top of it. The balls create a dip in the sheet, causing other objects to roll towards them. This is similar to how objects with mass create a curvature in space-time, causing other objects to be attracted to them.

3. How does Einstein's theory of general relativity explain the bending of space-time?

Einstein's theory of general relativity states that gravity is not a force between masses, but rather a result of the curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass. The more mass an object has, the greater its curvature in space-time will be, resulting in a stronger gravitational force.

4. Is the bending of space-time the same as the warping of space?

Yes, the bending of space-time and the warping of space are essentially the same concept. As objects with mass move through space, they create a curvature or warping in the fabric of space-time. This warping is what we perceive as gravity.

5. Can the bending of space-time be observed or measured?

Yes, the bending of space-time has been observed and measured through various experiments and observations. One of the most famous examples is the bending of light near massive objects, such as stars, as it travels through space. This phenomenon is known as gravitational lensing and is a direct result of the bending of space-time.

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