Exploring the Impact of Velocity on Charge in Relativity

In summary, the theory of general relativity requires spacetime to expand or contract in order to explain the observed motion of galaxies and objects in the universe. This can be explained by either the presence of a repulsive gravity or the initial movement of galaxies away from each other. Einstein's addition of the cosmological constant was an attempt to prevent the universe from collapsing, but it was later discovered that the universe is indeed expanding.
  • #1
Symbreak
41
0
1. In general relativity, why is there a requirement for spacetime, in the context of the Universe, to expand/contract?
It is often said that the theory predicts the Universe to expand, but Einstein missed out on this by adding the 'cosmilogical constant'. But where in the theory is the condition that the Universe must expand/contract?
The only way I can see this condition maintained is if the Universe is bounded - and thus has enough matter to ensure a contraction, or energy pressue to expand, but not remain static.

2. Why doesn't a charge increase (like an electrons charge) with velocity, in the same way as mass? Does not a charge have a kind of inertia, or radiation resistance, so therefore must increase for speeds near c?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Symbreak said:
1.

2. Why doesn't a charge increase (like an electrons charge) with velocity, in the same way as mass? Does not a charge have a kind of inertia, or radiation resistance, so therefore must increase for speeds near c?

If two highly charged energetic particles were traveling near c, then their trajectories would be 'Attracted' to 'Opposite' charged particles, thus Gravity would be Electrically Charged Induced? A highly charged Blackhole, say at the core of Galaxies, would cause all finite particles with any sort of charge signature to be attracted inwards, towards the Charge Source, and Particles would never be found outside Galactic Blackholes.
 
  • #3
1. In general relativity, why is there a requirement for spacetime, in the context of the Universe, to expand/contract?

Gravity is a purely attractive force. If you set up a situation in which nothing in the universe was moving, then immediately all objects would start to fall towards each other, causing the entire universe to "clump".

We don't observe that happening, so there are two possible solutions:
1. There is a "repulsive gravity" which we haven't taken into account, or
2. Galaxies must have started off moving away from each other.

Of course, maybe both of these are true.

It is often said that the theory predicts the Universe to expand, but Einstein missed out on this by adding the 'cosmilogical constant'.

Actually, Einstein added the constant to try to avoid the universe collapsing in his theory, since he knew that we don't see all the galaxies coming towards us. Einstein originally aimed for a "steady state" universe. Then he found out that the universe was actually expanding, and so called the cosmological constant his "biggest blunder".
 

1. How does the theory of relativity explain the relationship between velocity and charge?

The theory of relativity explains that as an object's velocity increases, its mass also increases. This increase in mass affects the electric charge of the object, causing it to become more difficult to accelerate and exert a stronger electric force.

2. What is the impact of velocity on charged particles?

The impact of velocity on charged particles is that as the velocity increases, the mass of the particles also increases. This increase in mass affects the electric charge of the particles, making it more difficult to accelerate them and resulting in a stronger electric force.

3. How does the theory of relativity affect our understanding of electric charge?

The theory of relativity provides a more comprehensive understanding of electric charge by taking into account the effects of velocity on charged particles. It explains how the mass of an object affects its electric charge and how this relationship changes at high velocities.

4. Can the impact of velocity on charge be observed in real-life situations?

Yes, the impact of velocity on charge can be observed in various real-life situations, such as in particle accelerators where particles are accelerated to high speeds. The change in mass and electric charge of the particles can also be observed in cosmic rays and other high-energy phenomena.

5. How does the impact of velocity on charge affect technological advancements?

The understanding of the impact of velocity on charge has led to advancements in technologies such as particle accelerators and nuclear reactors. It also plays a crucial role in the development of space technologies, as it affects the behavior of charged particles in space environments.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
60
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
83
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
47
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
811
Replies
90
Views
5K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
951
Replies
20
Views
2K
Back
Top