Analogies for Gravitational Attraction in Physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mechanisms of gravitational attraction and the analogies used to explain them, particularly critiquing the trampoline analogy for its inadequacy in illustrating the complexities of gravity. The Schwarzschild metric's ##tt## component is highlighted as crucial for understanding everyday gravitational effects. A video by A.T., based on Lewis Carroll Epstein's "Relativity Visualised," is mentioned as a more accurate representation of gravitational concepts. The conversation emphasizes the search for analogies where all objects attract each other without repulsion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity and spacetime curvature
  • Familiarity with the Schwarzschild metric in physics
  • Knowledge of gravitational forces and their representations
  • Basic comprehension of physics analogies and their limitations
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the Schwarzschild metric in detail to understand its implications on gravity
  • Research alternative analogies for gravitational attraction in physics
  • Watch A.T.'s video on gravitational concepts for visual representation
  • Read "Relativity Visualised" by Lewis Carroll Epstein for deeper insights into relativity
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators explaining gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in the analogies used in the study of gravity and spacetime.

geordief
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We have the trampoline to be sure but are there others?
I am thinking of the mechanism that causes mass-energy to curve spacetime

We have the Wheeler (was it ?)description, viz approx "mass tells spacetime how to curve and spacetime tells matter how to move...".

Are there any analogous circumstances in other areas of physics where all (or a subgroup of)objects attract each other and never repel?

I am just asking for the sake of being able to get some kind of intuition as to the effect and not in any hope that this might offer any real insight...
 
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The trampoline is a terrible analogy because it's demonstrating spatial curvature, which is only a tiny part of gravity in all but the most extreme circumstances. The ##tt## component of the Schwarzschild metric, which is responsible for almost all day to day gravitational effects, is not illustrated at all.

@A.T. produced this video, which is a much more honest illustration. I believe he says it is based on representations in the book "Relativity visualised" by Lewis Carroll Epstein.
 
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Ibix said:
The trampoline is a terrible analogy because it's demonstrating spatial curvature, which is only a tiny part of gravity in all but the most extreme circumstances. The ##tt## component of the Schwarzschild metric, which is responsible for almost all day to day gravitational effects, is not illustrated at all.

@A.T. produced this video, which is a much more honest illustration. I believe he says it is based on representations in the book "Relativity visualised" by Lewis Carroll Epstein.

Yes,I have seen that one.

I would class that as an analogy too (and yes,I am asking for analogies) but I was fishing for some kind of a circumstance where all (or all of a class of) objects exert a force of attraction on each other-no repulsion involved.

As I say ,it is just a request based on personal curiosity rather than based on anything of threal importance.

Edit: see you have changed the video.Will have a look at it later

Edit#2 the video seems to have "reverted back" Apologies.

Seems to be a smorgasbord of related videos showing .I can't keep up with this new fangled youtube thing.
 
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