The rubber sheet analogy in Relativity

In summary, there is an ongoing question at another forum about the origin of the "rubber sheet analogy" in Relativity. Some speculate that the idea may have been influenced by the use of topology in describing spacetime. However, others argue that the analogy is flawed and not directly related to physics. The origin of the analogy remains a mystery, but if anyone has any insights, they are encouraged to share.
  • #1
geordief
214
48
Can anyone here settle(or contribute to ) a question that is ongoing at another forum?

Who came up with the idea of the rubber sheet analogy in Relativity?

Some there have wondered if it was the "rubber sheet geometry" as topology was described as ,apparently that may have ,perhaps unconsciously given birth to the idea as an analogy .

It seems Topology was established before Special or General Relativity was formulated...
 
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  • #2
The "rubber sheet" analogy is a deeply flawed analogy and has little or nothing to do with actual physics, it's just something that's easy to use to descirbe things to laymen.
 
  • #3
geordief said:
Who came up with the idea of the rubber sheet analogy in Relativity?
If you find the culprit let us know.
 
  • #4
A.T. said:
If you find the culprit let us know.
HA HA. Actually AE remains a suspect in the inquiry.

But I will let you know if we work it out.
 
  • #5
geordief said:
Can anyone here settle(or contribute to ) a question that is ongoing at another forum?

Who came up with the idea of the rubber sheet analogy in Relativity?

Some there have wondered if it was the "rubber sheet geometry" as topology was described as ,apparently that may have ,perhaps unconsciously given birth to the idea as an analogy .

It seems Topology was established before Special or General Relativity was formulated...

Can you explain what the rubber sheet analogy is?
 

1. What is the rubber sheet analogy in Relativity?

The rubber sheet analogy is a common way to explain the concept of space-time in Einstein's theory of relativity. It imagines space-time as a rubber sheet that is stretched and curved by the mass of objects, causing other objects to move along the curves created by the sheet.

2. How does the rubber sheet analogy illustrate the effects of gravity?

In the rubber sheet analogy, the curvature of the sheet represents the curvature of space-time caused by the presence of massive objects. The more massive an object is, the more it will curve the sheet, creating deeper "wells" that represent stronger gravitational fields. Objects placed on the sheet will naturally roll towards the deepest part of the well, just as objects in a gravitational field will be pulled towards the center of mass.

3. Is the rubber sheet analogy an accurate representation of Relativity?

While the rubber sheet analogy is a useful tool for visualizing the effects of gravity on space-time, it is not a completely accurate representation of Relativity. The analogy simplifies the complex concept of space-time into a two-dimensional surface, whereas in reality, space-time has four dimensions. Additionally, the rubber sheet analogy does not account for the effects of acceleration and the curvature of space-time caused by energy and momentum.

4. Can the rubber sheet analogy be applied to other aspects of Relativity?

Yes, the rubber sheet analogy can also be used to explain the effects of time dilation in Relativity. In this case, the rubber sheet represents the flow of time and how it can be distorted by the presence of massive objects. Just as objects move along the curves created by the sheet's curvature, time can also be "curved" by gravity, causing it to flow at different rates at different points in space-time.

5. Are there any limitations to the rubber sheet analogy?

While the rubber sheet analogy is a helpful visualization tool, it is important to note that it is only an analogy and has its limitations. It does not accurately represent the full complexity of space-time and the effects of gravity in Relativity. It is best used as a simplified way to introduce the concept to those who are new to the theory.

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