Rotation speed near light speed increasing gravity?

In summary, based on the theories of special and general relativity, objects with speeds nearing the speed of light experience an increase in mass and gravity. However, this only applies to linear motion and not rotation. General relativity also predicts an increase in mass and gravity for objects rotating at high speeds, such as a star on its equator reaching speeds close to the speed of light. This increase is not solely due to the rotational frame dragging effect, but also factors in the object's kinetic and internal energy.
  • #1
SpiderET
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Based on special relativity object with speed nearing to speed of light has increased mass and also its gravity pull is increasing. But this is in special relativity calculated for linear moving objects, not for rotating objects.

Based on general relativity does increase mass and gravity of objects which are rotating at speeds near speed of light? Let's assume a star which is rotating so fast, that's on equator it almost reaches speed of light.

I don't mean rotational frame dragging effect (Thirring Lense effect). This effect is much smaller than potential mass/gravity increase caused by increased mass caused by speed near to speed of light.
 
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  • #2
SpiderET said:
Based on special relativity object with speed nearing to speed of light has increased mass and also its gravity pull is increasing. But this is in special relativity calculated for linear moving objects, not for rotating objects.

Based on general relativity does increase mass and gravity of objects which are rotating at speeds near speed of light? Let's assume a star which is rotating so fast, that's on equator it almost reaches speed of light.

I don't mean rotational frame dragging effect (Thirring Lense effect). This effect is much smaller than potential mass/gravity increase caused by increased mass caused by speed near to speed of light.

The kinetic energy of rotation effectively adds on to the rest mass for purposes of determining the distant field. So do any other forms of internal energy.
 

1. How does rotation speed near light speed affect gravity?

As an object approaches the speed of light, its rotation speed increases. This causes a distortion in the fabric of spacetime, resulting in an increase in the object's gravitational pull. This effect is known as frame dragging and was predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

2. Is there a limit to how much gravity can increase due to rotation speed near light speed?

Yes, there is a limit known as the Kerr limit. This is the maximum amount of angular momentum that an object can possess before it becomes a black hole. Beyond this limit, the object's rotation speed would need to exceed the speed of light, which is not possible.

3. How does gravity affect an object's rotation speed near light speed?

Gravity has a significant influence on an object's rotation speed near light speed. As an object's rotation speed increases, its gravitational pull also increases, resulting in a stronger pull towards its center of mass. This can cause the object to distort or even break apart due to the extreme forces.

4. Are there any real-life examples of rotation speed near light speed increasing gravity?

One example is the spinning of black holes. As they rotate, they create a strong gravitational field that can distort the spacetime around them. Another example is the rotation of neutron stars, which are incredibly dense and spin at high speeds, resulting in a strong gravitational pull.

5. How does the concept of time dilation play a role in rotation speed near light speed increasing gravity?

As an object approaches the speed of light, time dilates, meaning that time appears to pass slower for the object. This effect is also seen in the frame-dragging phenomenon, where time appears to slow down near a rotating object due to the distortion of spacetime. This can affect the perception of gravity near light speed.

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