What is the role of elasticity in space-time according to Sakharov's theory?

In summary: According to this idea, space is not a fixed, unchanging entity, but is instead a very elastic medium that can be distorted by the presence of masses. This theory has been dubbed the Sakharov equation, after the Russian physicist who proposed it, and it has been a major source of debate within the field of general relativity."In summary, if gravity distorts space-time, does space-time return to equilibrium when the gravity mass is gone (let's say it vanished instantly)? If so, what happens to other satellite masses that are caught in the same gravity well?
  • #1
Fuzzy Logic
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If gravity distorts space-time, does space-time return to equilibrium when the gravity mass is gone (let's say it vanished instantly)? If so, what happens to other satellite masses that are caught in the same gravity well?

Does space-time just instantly slip out from under them? Or do the satellites get dragged along with it?
 
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  • #2
Fuzzy Logic said:
If gravity distorts space-time, does space-time return to equilibrium when the gravity mass is gone (let's say it vanished instantly)? If so, what happens to other satellite masses that are caught in the same gravity well?

Does space-time just instantly slip out from under them? Or do the satellites get dragged along with it?

In general, yes the spacetime will return to the background minkowski (read: flat) configuration when the mass is gone. However, gravitational waves can leave an 'imprint' on spacetime even after they have passed through a region, permanently altering the spacetime geometry. Look up gravitational wave memory.
 
  • #3
Space is definitely elastic and flexible. If it wasn't the universe would have shattered into an infinite amount pieces a long time ago.
 
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Space is not a 'substance', so it has no properties such as elasticity. Gravity affects 'things' that pass through the gravitational field - like matter and photons - altering their path. Some would say the gravitational field IS the fabric of space. Some would even say that if gravity suddenly disappeared, so would space.
re: http://www.astronomycafe.net/gravity/gravity.html

"Perhaps the most unusual thing about gravity we know about is that, unlike the other forces of nature, gravity is intimately related to space and time. In fact, space and time are viewed by physicists, and the mathematics of relativity theory, as qualities of the gravitational field of the cosmos that have no independent existence. Gravity does not exist like the frosting on a cake, embedded in some larger arena of space and time. Instead, the 'frosting' is everything, and matter is embedded and intimately and indivisibly connected to it. If you could turn off gravity, it is mathematically predicted that space and time would also vanish!"
 
  • #5
If spacetime is not a substance, where do virtual particles come from?
 
  • #6
Sakharov ( 1967 ) suggested accounting for the effects of general relativity by introducing the concept of an "elasticity of space," analogous to the well-known curvature of space-time.
 

1. Is space made of plastic or elastic material?

Space is not made up of either plastic or elastic material. It is primarily composed of vacuum, with some particles and electromagnetic radiation. The concept of plastic or elastic material does not apply to the vast expanse of space.

2. Can space stretch like a rubber band?

Space does not stretch like a rubber band. The expansion of space is a fundamental property of the universe, and it is not comparable to the stretching of a rubber band. The expansion of space is a result of the ongoing expansion of the universe.

3. Are there any plastic or elastic properties in the fabric of space?

No, there are no plastic or elastic properties in the fabric of space. The fabric of space is primarily composed of vacuum, and it does not possess any physical properties like plasticity or elasticity.

4. Can space be molded or shaped like plastic or elastic material?

Space cannot be molded or shaped like plastic or elastic material. The shape and structure of space are determined by the laws of physics and the distribution of matter and energy in the universe. It cannot be manipulated like a physical material.

5. Is it possible for space to have both plastic and elastic properties?

No, it is not possible for space to have both plastic and elastic properties. These are two distinct physical properties that cannot coexist in the same material. As mentioned before, space is primarily composed of vacuum and does not possess any material properties like plasticity or elasticity.

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