Space-Time Distortion: Matterless Vacuums in Space

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of space distortion in a spacecraft moving at high speeds. It is mentioned that even small masses can distort spacetime and that space still exists without matter. The question is raised about whether space inside a spaceship contracts without particles, and it is clarified that length contraction is about relative motion and not the motion of objects within a frame.
  • #1
JDude13
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0
Imagine a spacecraft containing a perfect vacuum, hurtling through space at 0.9c.
This movement distorts the space the matter of the ship occupies. But what happens to the space inside the ship? It contains no matter. Is space irrelevant without matter?
 
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  • #2


Are you imagining a spacecraft that is extremely massive like a planet? Why would the spacecraft distort spacetime?
 
  • #3


Nothing happens to the space inside the ship because it is moving with the ship. Yes, there is space even when there is no mass.

DaleSpam- even a very small mass will "distort" spacetime- a small amount.
 
  • #4


True, but either you need a really massive ship or some incredibly sensitive detectors, which we don't usually assume in these kinds of problems.

I am just trying to understand the OP's question better. Why talk about a spaceship containing vacuum rather than a planet with a hollow vacuum-filled center? I think that JDude13 is asking something different than most posters with similar questions, but I am not sure exactly what.
 
  • #5


My question is about whether or not space exists without matter for it to manipulate.
Does the space inside a regular spaceship contract when there are no particles?
Alternately, imagine a ping-pong ball floating inside the spaceship before it accelerates rapidly. Is the ping-pong ball affected by length contraction because of its proximity to a moving body? Or will we only observe the ball's relativistic behavior once it makes contact with the inside of the ship and accelerates?
 
  • #6


What does proximity to a moving body have to do with length contraction?

In one reference frame the lengths determined in a moving reference frame are contracted regardless of whether or not there is something moving or at rest in either frame. Length contraction is about relatively moving reference frames, not moving objects.

If the ping pong ball is analyzed from a frame where it is moving then it's diameter is length contracted, regardless of the motion of the ship. If the ping pong ball is analyzed from a frame where it is stationary then it's diameter is not length contracted, regardless of the motion of the ship. The ship is a red herring.
 
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1. What is space-time distortion?

Space-time distortion refers to the bending or warping of the fabric of space and time, caused by the presence of massive objects such as planets, stars, and black holes. This distortion can affect the movement of objects in space and the passage of time.

2. How is space-time distortion related to matterless vacuums?

Matterless vacuums, also known as empty space, still have a presence in the fabric of space-time and can be affected by its distortion. This means that even in areas with no matter, space-time can still be warped by the gravitational pull of nearby objects.

3. Can space-time distortion have any impact on objects in space?

Yes, space-time distortion can have significant effects on objects in space. For example, the gravitational pull of a large planet can cause a spacecraft to orbit around it, or the intense gravity of a black hole can stretch and compress objects as they enter its event horizon.

4. Is space-time distortion the same as time dilation?

No, space-time distortion and time dilation are related but different concepts. Time dilation refers to the slowing down of time for an object in motion, as predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity. Space-time distortion, on the other hand, involves the warping of space and time by massive objects.

5. Can space-time distortion be observed or measured?

Yes, space-time distortion can be observed and measured through various methods such as gravitational lensing, which is the bending of light by massive objects, and the detection of gravitational waves, which are ripples in space-time caused by the movement of massive objects. Scientists also use mathematical models and calculations to study and understand space-time distortion.

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