How can two distant objects influence each other at a distance

  • Thread starter NeilWallace
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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of gravity and its most recent view. The speaker has trouble understanding how two objects can influence each other at a distance in a vacuum and mentions gravitons and curved spacetime as possible explanations. They then ask for the most recent view on the cause of gravity. Another person suggests a book for beginners, and the conversation concludes by mentioning that curved spacetime is still the most recent view and there is no need to suppose any action at a distance according to the Einstein Field Equations.
  • #1
NeilWallace
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I have trouble getting my head round gravity. How can two objects influence each other at a distance in a vacuum. I have heard of gravitons and spaced curved time as explanations of gravity and have never been able to get my head round these. Can anyone say what the most recent view is for the cause of gravity?
 
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  • #2
A good book for beginners is Gardner, Relativity Simply Explained.
 
  • #3
Curved spacetime is still the most recent view.

Is your concern with action at a distance? If so, then you should know that the Einstein Field Equations are expressed purely in terms of local differential equations. There is no need to suppose any action at a distance.
 

1. How can two objects influence each other at a distance?

Two objects can influence each other at a distance through the force of gravity. This force acts between all objects with mass and is described by Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. The strength of the force is determined by the masses of the objects and the distance between them.

2. Can two objects influence each other without being in direct contact?

Yes, two objects can influence each other without being in direct contact. This is possible through the force of electromagnetism. Objects with electric charge can exert a force on each other at a distance, as described by Coulomb's Law. This also applies to objects with magnetic fields.

3. Can the influence between two objects at a distance change over time?

Yes, the influence between two objects at a distance can change over time. This is because the force of gravity and electromagnetism are both dependent on the distance between the objects. As the distance changes, the force between the objects also changes.

4. Is there a limit to how far two objects can influence each other at a distance?

No, there is no known limit to how far two objects can influence each other at a distance. The force of gravity and electromagnetism are both considered to be infinite in range, meaning they can act on objects regardless of how far apart they are.

5. Can the influence between two objects at a distance be instantaneous?

No, the influence between two objects at a distance cannot be instantaneous. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. This means that it takes time for the force of gravity and electromagnetism to travel between two objects, even if they are far apart.

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