Curvature of space Definition and 39 Threads

This is pretty theoretical, so I don't know whether it would better belong in the "other physics" section. As I understand it, a pair of pants situation of topology change where one universe splits in two is described by a global wick-rotated riemannian metric so as to avoid the causality...

The notion of spacetime curvature is just the same as geodesic deviation. Therefore take for instance two bodies at different altitudes from Earth surface. In order to evaluate their geodesic deviation the two worldlines must start parallel in spacetime (actually in tangent spaces at both...

I am following [this YouTube lecture by Schuller][1] where he finds the appropriate formalism for the quantum mechanics in the physical curved space. Everything makes sense to me but at the very end I see that we find the pull backed connection one-form on the base manifold. He says to the end...

According to the Planck 2018 results, the curvature component of the density parameter of the universe is Ωκ=0.001±0.002. From this data, would it be possible to determine the greatest possible positive curvature of the universe and the radius of the corresponding 3-sphere?

Hi, The quote below has been taken from this article, https://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/einstein/node2.html, which I came across. The quote doesn't make any sense to me, especially the part in boldface. Could you please help me with it?

I've heard it and I've read* it before, so I just want to make sure I understand this so I never have to wonder about it again. So, are tidal forces exactly curvature of space? Here's why I think the answer to that is yes: .I've seen a spacetime interval equation which has a coefficient on...

General relativity. Curvature of spacetime: ok. time dilation: ok. What about space? Curvature is intrinsic and given by complex equations. But could we definitely say is there more space between 2 points along curved space through the star than would be through flat space (no star there) or...

Recently I asked a question about the curvature of the universe. https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/constant-curvature-and-about-its-meaning.977841/ In that context I want to ask something else. Is this curvature (##\kappa##) different than the Gaussian Curvature ? Like it seems that we...

I have read numerous times that the overall curvature of space in extremely large regions -1000s of megaparsecs say - is zero. I also keep reading that the expansion rate of the universe is increasing, and that the universe is resultantly positively curved. I would be interested in a...

I'm a complete rookie in this field so please correct me where I go wrong, I just really want a better understanding of this subject. So as far as I am aware, mass causes the space surrounding it to curve or bend. What I want to know is how much does it bend the space? is the bending of space...

Regarding curvature of spacetime/space: At some given point in a gravitational field, spacetime is curved at that point and this is a constant. (I'm assuming this is true). Although we can talk about the curvature of spacetime, I never hear anyone talking about the curvature of space. Can...

Einstein's theory states that curvature of space (created by a celestial body around itself) determines the orbital path of other celestial bodies around it within that curved space by a constant lateral force acting towards the centre upon that revolving body. Then why is that a similar force...

General relativity suggests that path of light is curved around sun. This curvature is not dependent upon frequency of the photon. What is the physical difference between 'curvature of space' and 'curvature of space-time' ? We can make measurements at two points in space at same time. But there...

Hi all, How does matter curve space (what's the mechanism)? Does this Curvature happen instantaneously or does it happen at light speed? Thanks in advance.

I am not sure I can express clearly my thoughts on this one, but I am going to try. The effect of mass on space, and the resulting gravity, is sometimes described, in a two dimensions graphic, as a bowling ball applying pressure on the surface of a mattress, or something equivalent. Thus, the...

I am studying general relativity from Hobson and came across the term 'lifetime' of a closed (k>0) universe, ##t_{lifetime}##. I suppose at late times the curvature dominates and universe starts contracting? Are they simply referring to ##\int_0^{\infty} dt##? If so, would the bottom expression...

Hello, given a stationary pointlike particle with mass m at some position, I'm trying to compute just how much space is curved/deformed at a distance r from that particle due to its gravitational field. I'm not really into all that tensor calculus, so I really struggle with the equations given...

I recently watched Susskind video on general relativity. I am unsure why the commutator of the covariant derivative of the vectors is nonzero when there is curvature. E.g. DrDsVm-DsDrVm In flat space, that difference is zero. But why is it non zero in curved space? Someone please enlightened...

Hello all I just joined this forum so forgive me for jumping right in but I have a question about Gravity and the curvature of space time that I can't get answer with a Google search. My question: though I understand that an object remains in orbit because of the curvature of space time and it...

I was listening to one of Leonard Susskind's cosmology lectures. He talks about the factor K having values of +1/0/-1 corresponding to positive/flat/negative curvature. We don't know what the real value of K is. But then as he discussed K at the big bang and K now, it seemed that he was...

Curvature of Space-time: What is it? General relativity talks about curvature of space-time due to mass. What does it actually mean by 'curve'. Is the space made of something that we can say is curving? If space is purely 'empty', then what is getting curve? Or is it that curving is just an...

i am trying to understand the relationship between the two on a local and global scale and how these two concepts are related to the Ricci scalar. Is it correct to say that as far as we know on a global scale, spacetime is flat so that the Ricci scalar is zero. If so, what can be said about...

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Gravitation is described on one hand as curvature of space in the presence of matter. It is also described as a field acting through gravitons on matter. How can the two views be reconciled?

After some light reading, I'm more confused than ever. Is gravity just a byproduct or effect of the curvature of space? Is it a force that would exist if space didn't curve, even in the presence of mass? (probably a stupid question, sorry!) I've seen various diagrams of the Earth revolving...

I am wondering how space geographers would measure curvature of space around a large isolated star. i am thinking of the set up where there are two nearby spheres surrounding the star whose circumferences are already known. The remaining step is to measure the length of a radial geodesic segment...

I could understand gravity involve in object revolving around a big mass as the path of the object is circular. But couldn't understand how gravity is explained when an object thrown up returns back.

Like many of these forum dwellers, I've been reading the Elegant Universe and I've hit a fit of confusion. So I've got a couple of questions. In the book, it is explained that accelerated motion results in the warping of space and time (I'm thinking specifically of his example of the rigidly...

Hi! A google search for my upcomming question lead me to this page, and I am delighted to find an online community of psysics who hopefully will answer my, maybe, very simpel question. In the study of Einstein's General Relativity theory, the picture of a sphere placed in a net representing...

If you take a homogenously distributed spherical mass and compress it to a smaller radius while maintaining its overall total energy and momentum, will it change the curvature of space (gravity) outside of the original sphere? According to Newton, it stays the same. However, it seems like...

Assuming gravity is matter curving space as Einstein says, isn't our theory of dark matter just an assumption that because more gravity is required to explain galaxy formation that it must be caused by unseen matter? Why do we assume that the curvature of space required must be caused by matter...

According to contemporary ideas the spin of elementary particle is a certain mysterious inner moment of impulse for which it is impossible a somewhat real physical picture to create. The absence of spin visual picture, in opinion of a number of authors leaves the regrettable gap in quantum...

I have a question about spatial curvature. Before asking the question, I will summarize my understanding of the distinction between spatial curvature and spacetime curvature. If I have this wrong, I would appreciate corrections. Spacetime curvature occurs locally in the presence of gravity...

I'm new to physics but very curious about it. I'm 18, and probably will also include physics as my second major in college. A topic that has always bothered me is the curvature of space. If space is curved, due to the planets and stars, then why don't the rays of the sun curve around the...

Would it be possible to adjust for the curvature of space between 2 points and so by taking the shortcut (a true straight line) beat a light source in a race between the 2 points whilst traveling at less than light speed?

Given that Dark energy supplies negative pressure: Does it have mass? Does it curve space? If so, does it help to close the universe? Can something that has negative pressure also make space more closed? Does it affect time dilation? How do you achieve a flat universe when there seems to...

When Enstein developed tensor analysis because all the other math fell apart, there was another type of math that was developed to measure the curvature of space. What is it? How does it work?

I have not been keeping up on current cosmology theory. Once was said that if you flew your "Spaceship of the Mind" X billion light years "thataway", and didn't stop or turn, you eventually would find yourself back where you started. The idea here is that 3-dimensional space is actually...

What is actually commonly accepted in the cosmologist society regarding the model of the universe? Do they think C=0 or > 0 or < 0 ? And what makes them think that? Also, how do one get the shapes related to each posibility for C from the equations of GR?