GR - time dialation at center of a planet

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the effects of gravitational time dilation at the center of a planet compared to its surface, specifically within the context of general relativity and uniform density planets. Participants explore the relationship between gravitational force, gravitational potential energy (GPE), and time dilation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the gravitational force is zero at the center of a planet, while the GPE reaches a peak minimum, prompting questions about the time dilation factor in these regions.
  • One participant suggests that a clock at the center of a planet will run slower relative to a clock at the surface, attributing this to differences in gravitational potential rather than gravitational force.
  • Another participant emphasizes that time dilation is influenced by gravitational potential, stating that light traveling toward the center would blueshift and light traveling away would redshift, similar to effects observed above the surface.
  • References to external resources and visualizations of the Schwarzschild metric are provided to support claims about gravitational time dilation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between gravitational force and time dilation, with some emphasizing potential over force. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise implications of these factors on time dilation at different points within a planet.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully clarify the assumptions underlying their claims, particularly regarding the uniform density of the planet and the neglect of rotational effects. The discussion also lacks resolution on the mathematical treatment of time dilation in this context.

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The gravitational force is zero at the center of a planet, but the GPE is at a peak minimum (most negative). What happens to the time dilation factor inside the surface of a planet of uniform density versus at the surface of that planet.?
 
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Jeff Reid said:
The gravitational force is zero at the center of a planet, but the GPE is at a peak minimum (most negative). What happens to the time dilation factor inside the surface of a planet of uniform density versus at the surface of that planet.?

Gravitational potential minimal -> clock rate minimal

Here is a visualization of the complete Schwarzschild metric (interior + exterior combined):

http://www.adamtoons.de/physics/gravitation.swf
 
Last edited:
Jeff Reid said:
The gravitational force is zero at the center of a planet, but the GPE is at a peak minimum (most negative). What happens to the time dilation factor inside the surface of a planet of uniform density versus at the surface of that planet.?
A clock at the center of a planet will run slow relative to a clock at the surface (neglecting rotational effects). Time dilation isn't caused by gravitational "force", it's the result of the difference in potential. Any object in between the surface and center of a planet would "freefall" toward the center in the absence of the forces acting on it (like the material resistance of the mass of the planet).

Light traveling toward the center would blueshift, and light traveling away from the center would redshift, just like it would above the surface. That's what determines gravitational time dilation, not the amount of gravitational "force" acting on the clock.
 
Thanks for the responses.
 

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