Space-Time Curvature: Sun & Earth Pulled Together with Equal Force

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of gravity as a curvature of space-time and the idea that objects follow geodesics in a curved space-time. It is suggested that gravity is not a force, but rather the natural path for objects to take in a curved space-time. The concept of a geodesic is also explained.
  • #1
newTonn
106
0
Due to mass Space time curves.
Consider the case of sun & earth.
Sun,since it is heavy will curve the space more than earth.isn't it?
Then how come the sun and Earth are being pulled towards each other with same force?
The Earth has to straighten the curve (caused by sun)first,and then has to curve it in opposite direction ,so that it can pull the sun towards it .Or the space time is curved between the two bodies?
could anybody explain?
 
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  • #2
Maybe this is just my misinterpretation, in which case someone will stop by to straighten both of us up, but: when you view gravity as nothing more than curvature of space, then what force is there between two masses?

It doesn't make sense to me to say that the sun attracts the Earth through a force, and at the same time the sun appears to attract the Earth due to it warping spacetime.
 
  • #3
ganstaman said:
Maybe this is just my misinterpretation, in which case someone will stop by to straighten both of us up, but: when you view gravity as nothing more than curvature of space, then what force is there between two masses?

It doesn't make sense to me to say that the sun attracts the Earth through a force, and at the same time the sun appears to attract the Earth due to it warping spacetime.

This is correct as far as it goes. I think what you are probably missing is the idea that the Earth (for example) is essentially moving along a geodesic in space-time, and that it doesn't require a force to make an object move along a geodesic, it takes a force to make an object deviate from one.

Thus gravity isn't a force in this geometric interpretation. Rather, objects with no force acting on them (no "real" force - gravity isn't a force in this interpretation) follow geodesics. They do this because that's the natural path for a body to take in a curved space-time.
 

What is space-time curvature?

Space-time curvature is the concept that was proposed by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity. It suggests that the presence of massive objects, such as the Sun and Earth, can cause the fabric of space-time to bend or curve.

How does the Sun and Earth pull each other together with equal force?

According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, any two objects with mass will exert a gravitational force on each other. The force between the Sun and Earth is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, causing them to pull towards each other with equal force.

Why is the Sun's gravitational pull stronger than the Earth's?

The Sun's gravitational pull is stronger than the Earth's because it has a much larger mass. The mass of an object directly affects the strength of its gravitational pull, with larger masses having a stronger pull.

How does space-time curvature affect the motion of objects?

Space-time curvature affects the motion of objects by altering the straight paths that they would normally travel in. Instead, objects will follow curved paths towards the source of the curvature, such as the Sun.

Is space-time curvature the same as gravity?

No, space-time curvature and gravity are not the same thing. Gravity is a fundamental force that causes objects with mass to attract each other, while space-time curvature is the bending of the fabric of space-time caused by the presence of massive objects.

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