Gravitational time dilation explanation for Newtonian gravity?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of gravity in the Newtonian limit and its possible explanation through gravitational time dilation. Schutz argues in his book, Gravity from the Ground up, that the curvature of time can account for all of Newtonian gravitation. However, there is some confusion about his argument and additional resources such as lectures and visualizations are suggested for better understanding. One diagram is also mentioned, although it is pointed out that it may be incorrect in its representation of the time dilation phenomenon.
  • #1
feynmann
156
1
I seem to recall reading a post a long time ago (that I cannot find) that gravity in the Newtonian limit (eg the Solar system) can be completely explained in terms of gravitational time dilation alone.

In his book, Gravity from the Ground up, Schutz argue that All of Newtonian gravitation is simply the curvature of time. Can anyone shed light on this since I don't understand his argument at all?

http://www.gravityfromthegroundup.org/pdf/timecurves.pdf
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Try Lecture 5 by Bertschinger:
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/8-224Exploring-Black-Holes--General-Relativity---AstrophysicsSpring2003/LectureNotes/index.htm

He takes the Newtonian limit at 1:03:00.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
feynmann said:
I seem to recall reading a post a long time ago (that I cannot find) that gravity in the Newtonian limit (eg the Solar system) can be completely explained in terms of gravitational time dilation alone. In his book, Gravity from the Ground up, Schutz argue that All of Newtonian gravitation is simply the curvature of time. Can anyone shed light on this since I don't understand his argument at all?
The "stretched" time dimension causes both: gravitational time dilation and Newtonian gravitation. You have to visualize it to understand it:
http://www.physics.ucla.edu/demoweb..._and_general_relativity/curved_spacetime.html
 
  • #5
A.T. said:
The "stretched" time dimension causes both: gravitational time dilation and Newtonian gravitation. You have to visualize it to understand it:
http://www.physics.ucla.edu/demoweb..._and_general_relativity/curved_spacetime.html
feynmann said:
That diagram is wrong. It shows the ceiling clock runs slower than the floor clock
No it doesn't. The ceiling clock gets ahead of the floor clock in proper time, so it runs faster.
 

1. What is gravitational time dilation?

Gravitational time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to move slower in regions with stronger gravitational fields. This means that time passes at a slower rate near massive objects, such as planets or stars, compared to regions with weaker gravitational fields.

2. How does Newtonian gravity explain gravitational time dilation?

According to Newton's law of gravitation, the force of gravity between two objects is directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that the closer an object is to a massive object, the stronger the gravitational force and thus, the greater the time dilation.

3. Why is gravitational time dilation important in space travel?

Gravitational time dilation has significant implications for space travel as it can cause time discrepancies between two locations. For example, astronauts who spend extended periods of time in space experience slightly slower time compared to people on Earth due to the weaker gravitational field in space. This can lead to discrepancies in time measurements and calculations for long-distance space travel.

4. Can gravitational time dilation be observed on Earth?

Yes, gravitational time dilation can be observed on Earth. However, the effects are very small and can only be measured with highly precise instruments. For example, clocks at higher altitudes, such as on top of a mountain, will run slightly faster than clocks at sea level due to the weaker gravitational field at higher altitudes.

5. How does Einstein's theory of relativity relate to gravitational time dilation?

Einstein's theory of relativity provides a more comprehensive explanation for gravitational time dilation. According to his theory, gravity is not a force between masses, but rather a curvature of space and time caused by the presence of massive objects. This curvature of spacetime results in the slowing down of time near massive objects, which is known as gravitational time dilation.

Similar threads

I Can Newtonian Gravity be Thought of as a Theory of Curved Time?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
20
Views
2K
I What about the Big Ben Paradox?
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
39
Views
3K
B Explaining Distant Time Dilation & Enhanced Gravitation
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Escape Velocity, Gravitational Velocity & Time Dilation
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
37
Views
3K
B Mechanics behind curved time causing gravitation/geodesics
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
27
Views
4K
I What are the effects on a stationary observer for Kerr metric?
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
43
Views
2K
I GR vs Newtonian Physics: Mass Curving Spacetime & Gravity Effects
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
1K
B Twin Paradox: Orbital Geodesics, Gravity, & Time Dilation
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
25
Views
1K
B Is this explanation of gravity under General Relativity legit?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
23
Views
2K
I Time Dilation: Gravitational & Velocity Effects Explained
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top