Differences in Newtonian and Relativistic predictions of gravity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the limitations of Newton's law of universal gravity in accurately predicting gravitational effects in strong gravitational fields, particularly around rotating black holes and in the context of light path shifts. It establishes that General Relativity (GR) provides different predictions compared to Newtonian gravity, especially in scenarios involving significant gravitational forces. The conversation also touches on the absence of a spacetime-equivalent theory for electromagnetism, questioning the symmetry between electromagnetic and gravitomagnetic forces. Ultimately, it concludes that while Newtonian gravity can be approximated in weak field limits, GR fundamentally alters the understanding of gravity as a curvature of spacetime rather than a force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's law of universal gravity
  • Familiarity with General Relativity (GR) concepts
  • Knowledge of black hole physics and frame dragging
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism and gravitomagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of General Relativity in strong gravitational fields
  • Study the phenomenon of frame dragging around rotating black holes
  • Investigate the differences between Newtonian and relativistic predictions of planetary orbits
  • Research the relationship between electromagnetism and gravitomagnetism in theoretical physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, astrophysicists, and students of theoretical physics who are interested in the fundamental differences between Newtonian and relativistic gravity, as well as those exploring the implications of General Relativity in various astrophysical contexts.

espen180
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In what situations do Newton's law of universal gravity fail to predict correctly how matter moves? The examples I know of are frame dragging (around rotating BH), shifting of light paths, shifting orbits of planets.

But does Newton's law really predict the magnitude of gravity accuratly? How does the predicted Newtonian value compare to the predicted relativistic value in different situations?

Also, given the symmetry between the electromagnetic and gravitomagnetic forces, how come there isn't a spacetime-equivalent theory for electromagnetism? Am I wrong in my assuption of said symmetry?

I hope to get some answeres on my questions. Any help/feedback is appreciated.
 
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Anywhere the gravitational fields are very very strong, GR will give different results than Newtonian gravity. Newtonian gravity is retrieved in GR in the weak field limit.

Since GR no longer has a notion of "force" of gravity, and instead replaces it with a curvature of spacetime, there is no way to say the "magnitude" of gravity is different between the two or not, only that they give different orbits or results.
 

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