Equivalence and derivation of general relativity

In summary, the principle of equivalence in general relativity states that gravitational and inertial mass are equivalent, and this concept is the basis for understanding gravity's effects on objects. Einstein derived the theory of general relativity through thought experiments and mathematical calculations, leading to the famous field equations. The cosmological constant, introduced by Einstein, is used to explain the accelerating expansion of the universe. General relativity differs from Newton's theory by describing gravity as a curvature of spacetime and predicting concepts such as black holes. It has practical applications in the detection of gravitational waves, GPS, and the study of galaxies and the universe's structure.
  • #1
kurious
641
0
derivation of general relativity

Can the theory of general relativity be deduced without appealing to
the ideas of special relativity? Quantum mechanics didn't need special relativity to come into existence even though QM eventually incorporated it.
 
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  • #2
Special Relativity is general relativity without gravity. They are based on the same ideas, except general relativity then adds gravity to the mix. So no, not really.
 
  • #3
sr is regarding the spacetime,whereas qm is regarding matter.sr is special case of gr.i think u got the right answer.
 

1. What is the concept of equivalence in general relativity?

The principle of equivalence in general relativity states that gravitational and inertial mass are equivalent, meaning that the effects of gravity on an object are indistinguishable from the effects of acceleration. This concept is the basis for understanding how gravity affects the motion of objects in the universe.

2. How did Einstein derive the theory of general relativity?

Einstein derived the theory of general relativity through a series of thought experiments and mathematical calculations. He first proposed the equivalence principle and then used the mathematics of differential geometry to describe the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. This led to the famous field equations of general relativity that describe how gravity works in the universe.

3. What is the significance of the cosmological constant in general relativity?

The cosmological constant is a term in the field equations of general relativity that represents the energy density of empty space. It was originally introduced by Einstein to balance out the effects of gravity and keep the universe static. However, it was later discovered that the universe is expanding, and the cosmological constant has been used to explain the accelerating expansion of the universe.

4. How does general relativity differ from Newton's theory of gravity?

General relativity differs from Newton's theory of gravity in several key ways. Firstly, general relativity describes gravity as a curvature of spacetime, while Newton's theory describes it as a force between masses. Additionally, general relativity predicts the bending of light and the existence of black holes, concepts that are not present in Newton's theory. General relativity has also been able to make more accurate predictions in various experiments and observations.

5. What are some practical applications of general relativity?

General relativity has many practical applications, including the prediction and understanding of gravitational waves, which have been detected by the LIGO experiment. It also plays a crucial role in the Global Positioning System (GPS) as the theory accounts for the effects of both special and general relativity on time and space. General relativity has also been used to study the formation and behavior of galaxies, as well as the structure of the universe on the largest scales.

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