Space time curvature Definition and 12 Threads

General relativity, also known as the general theory of relativity, is the geometric theory of gravitation published by Albert Einstein in 1915 and is the current description of gravitation in modern physics. General relativity generalizes special relativity and refines Newton's law of universal gravitation, providing a unified description of gravity as a geometric property of space and time or four-dimensional spacetime. In particular, the curvature of spacetime is directly related to the energy and momentum of whatever matter and radiation are present. The relation is specified by the Einstein field equations, a system of partial differential equations.
Some predictions of general relativity differ significantly from those of classical physics, especially concerning the passage of time, the geometry of space, the motion of bodies in free fall, and the propagation of light. Examples of such differences include gravitational time dilation, gravitational lensing, the gravitational redshift of light, the gravitational time delay and singularities/black holes. The predictions of general relativity in relation to classical physics have been confirmed in all observations and experiments to date. Although general relativity is not the only relativistic theory of gravity, it is the simplest theory that is consistent with experimental data. Unanswered questions remain, the most fundamental being how general relativity can be reconciled with the laws of quantum physics to produce a complete and self-consistent theory of quantum gravity; and how gravity can be unified with the three non-gravitational forces—strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces.
Einstein's theory has important astrophysical implications. For example, it implies the existence of black holes—regions of space in which space and time are distorted in such a way that nothing, not even light, can escape—as an end-state for massive stars. There is ample evidence that the intense radiation emitted by certain kinds of astronomical objects is due to black holes. For example, microquasars and active galactic nuclei result from the presence of stellar black holes and supermassive black holes, respectively. The bending of light by gravity can lead to the phenomenon of gravitational lensing, in which multiple images of the same distant astronomical object are visible in the sky. General relativity also predicts the existence of gravitational waves, which have since been observed directly by the physics collaboration LIGO. In addition, general relativity is the basis of current cosmological models of a consistently expanding universe.
Widely acknowledged as a theory of extraordinary beauty, general relativity has often been described as the most beautiful of all existing physical theories.

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. Leureka

    I Does potential energy curve spacetime?

    Hi there, I looked around on the net but I didn't quite find the answer to my question. I preface that I don't have training in GR, even though I know about the basics (like what tensors are, geodesics, a bit about topology and differential geometry...). So I wasn't sure if to put this question...
  2. Charly

    B Why Do Bodies in Free Fall Change Position?

    Why do bodies in free fall change position relative to each other? For instance in a vacuum with no external forces why can an apple fall towards the surface of the earth? If these objects aren't accelerating then are they considered at rest? And in what sense of the term 'rest'. I think I can...
  3. L

    Exploring Earth's Inner Core: The Latest on Polarity and Flux

    hello everyone, though not a scientist or professional student I have a fondness for Earth sciences, geology, seismology, ecology with interests in pole-shift theory, space/time relativity, archeology, anthropology and genetics, specifically, genetic genealogy. Here just to see read about...
  4. P

    Dark energy and space time curvature

    How can we define SPACE TIME CURVATURE with respect to dark energy and dark matter ?
  5. shounakbhatta

    Mass causes space time curvature

    If I take it by literally meaning: Mass causes space time to curve. A rubber sheet where the mass is there, it causes the dent, the curvature. So it means the greater the momentum, the greater the curve or the dent. Now if we have a very big mass, I mean to say big in terms of size, the...
  6. G

    Space time Curvature around the Earth

    Hi all, I am wondering if it is possible to calculate, using Einstein Tensor, the space time curvature around the Earth. As far as I understand, Einstein Field Equations tell us that the presence of a matter curves the space time. So space time curvature is gravity and gravity is space time...
  7. M

    Space time curvature caused by fast electron

    Hi everybody! what happens if an electron passes by with a speed of, say, 99.999999999...% of the speed of light (relative to me). Its mass will then be enormous. Will this electron cause a relevant curvature of spacetime? Can it be so fast that it acts like a black hole? I guess not. But why?
  8. F

    Space Time Curvature Question.

    Ok, I have been wondering. I heard that Space/time is Curved when it comes into contact with mass correct? If this is so, then would it be possible to calculate the volume(or some equation) for the curvature of space/time around my own mass or a mass larger then mine? I have already...
  9. N

    Space-Time Curvature: Sun & Earth Pulled Together with Equal Force

    Due to mass Space time curves. Consider the case of sun & earth. Sun,since it is heavy will curve the space more than earth.isn't it? Then how come the sun and Earth are being pulled towards each other with same force? The Earth has to straighten the curve (caused by sun)first,and then has...
  10. B

    Can electromagnetic fields produce space-time curvature?

    Energy---> space time curvature In general energy---> space-time curvature Any sperimental evidence that electromagnetism--->space-time curvature? blue
Back
Top