A question about general relativity

In summary, according to general relativity, gravity can be seen as an inertial force that is felt by objects as they experience time dilation. Decreasing the rate of time passage leads to a decrease in the effects of gravity, while accelerating time passage strengthens the force of gravity. This suggests that gravity is a byproduct of time and is closely linked to the concept of time dilation.
  • #1
bobin
1
0
Would it be accurate to say that, according to general relativity, gravity is the "force" that is felt by an object as it is confined to the present, analogous to centripetal force; and, that as one decreases the rate of the passage of time, the effects of gravity become less and less noticeable until they ultimately cease, then, decelerating in time further, the force of gravity is reversed? In contrast, if one accelerates the passage of time, the gravitational force becomes markedly stronger. Thus, it appears as though gravity is a byproduct of time.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
bobin said:
analogous to centripetal force;
Yes, gravity is an inertial force in GR.
bobin said:
and, that as one decreases the rate of the passage of time, the effects of gravity become less and less noticeable.
No. The force of gravity depends on the local change (gradient) of time dilation, not the absolute value.

This illustrates the connection between time dialtion and gravity:

http://www.physics.ucla.edu/demoweb/demomanual/modern_physics/principal_of_equivalence_and_general_relativity/curved_time.gif
 

1. What is General Relativity?

General Relativity is a theory of gravity proposed by Albert Einstein in 1915. It explains the force of gravity as a curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy.

2. How is General Relativity different from Newton's theory of gravity?

Newton's theory of gravity described gravity as a force between two objects, while General Relativity describes gravity as a curvature of spacetime. General Relativity also incorporates the effects of acceleration and explains phenomena such as the bending of light and the slowing of time in the presence of massive objects.

3. What are some real-world applications of General Relativity?

General Relativity has been confirmed by numerous experiments and is used in many modern technologies, such as GPS systems, which rely on precise calculations of time dilation due to gravity. It also plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe, including the behavior of black holes and the expansion of the universe.

4. What is the role of mathematics in General Relativity?

Mathematics plays a crucial role in General Relativity as it provides the tools and language to describe the complex relationships between mass, energy, and spacetime. The theory is based on the mathematical concept of tensors, which are used to describe the curvature of spacetime.

5. Is General Relativity the final theory of gravity?

While General Relativity has been extensively tested and confirmed, it is not considered the final theory of gravity. It is incompatible with the principles of quantum mechanics and does not explain phenomena at the smallest scales. Scientists continue to search for a unified theory that can merge General Relativity with quantum mechanics.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
15
Views
954
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
10
Views
913
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
43
Views
2K
Replies
38
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
1K
Back
Top