What Happens to a Stationary Bowling Ball in an Expanding Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of a bowling ball remaining stationary in an expanding universe, with a focus on the implications of motion and reference frames in the context of general relativity. The scope includes conceptual clarifications and theoretical considerations regarding motion and reference points in cosmology.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of a "truly stationary" bowling ball, referencing Einstein's assertion that there is no absolute state of rest and that all motion is relative.
  • Another participant suggests that while everything is in motion, it is also possible to define a state of rest relative to specific reference points, such as pulsars or cosmic microwave background radiation.
  • A further contribution emphasizes the relativity of motion, stating that any object can be considered either moving or stationary depending on the chosen reference frame.
  • One participant humorously suggests that observing bowling balls in a bowling alley could provide insight into their behavior, implying that they remain largely unaffected by cosmic expansion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of being "stationary" in an expanding universe, with some emphasizing the relativity of motion and others questioning the possibility of a true state of rest. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these perspectives on the original question.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of defining motion and rest in the context of general relativity and cosmology, with participants acknowledging the dependence on chosen reference frames and the absence of absolute motion.

DARKSYDE
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what would happen to a bowling ball if it were to remain truly stationary in a region of space in an expanding universe? assume the experiment will compensate any effect of gravity.
 
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The problem is, there is no such thing as 'truly stationary'. Einstein states that there is no absolute state of rest--no privileged reference frames. Hence, everything in the universe is in motion, relative to something else.
 
...and everything in the universe is also at rest.
 
"no privileged reference frames"

I believe we could use lots of things in the universe for reference. Pulsars, background microwave radiation, etc. and as far as stationary, i do mean relative to our motion. we do know how fast our solar system is traveling as well as our galaxy.
 
DARKSYDE said:
I believe we could use lots of things in the universe for reference. Pulsars, background microwave radiation, etc.
Absolutely - you can use anything you want. I prefer to always define myself as stationary. It's usually easier that way. And it makes me feel special!
and as far as stationary, i do mean relative to our motion. we do know how fast our solar system is traveling as well as our galaxy.
We know how fast our solar system is traveling with respect to some objects and vice versa: we know how fast they are traveling relative to us. Either can be considered moving or stationary and neither is an absolute or "priveleged" selection. All - ALL motion is relative.

So to answer your intial question, you can just go to a bowling alley and have a look at what the bowling balls on the racks are doing! Not much of anything, I suspect...
 
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