Does the geometry of space really change with gravity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether the geometry of space changes in the presence of gravity. Participants explore the implications of gravity on the geometry of space, particularly in relation to the metric used for measuring distances and the behavior of light in gravitational fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that the initial question is too vague to provide a meaningful answer and request more specificity.
  • One participant suggests that in the presence of matter or energy, the metric varies from place to place, implying that this variation indicates a change in geometry.
  • Another participant explains that the geometry of spacetime is defined by the trajectories of photons, noting that while the universe appears flat, gravitational fields cause these trajectories to deviate from straight lines, which is described as curvature.
  • There is a mention of Einstein rings as a prominent example of curvature due to gravity affecting light paths.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the initial question lacks clarity, but there are differing views on what aspects of geometry and gravity should be discussed. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of how geometry changes with gravity.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not defined key terms such as "geometry" or "changes," and there is uncertainty about the specific scenarios being referenced in relation to gravity.

STAR GIRL
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Does Geometry of space Changes?
 
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STAR GIRL said:
Does Geometry of space Changes?
That is such as totally vague question as to be unanswerable. Please be MUCH more specific about what you are asking.
 
phinds said:
That is such as totally vague question as to be unanswerable. Please be MUCH more specific about what you are asking.
Sorry
 
phinds said:
That is such as totally vague question as to be unanswerable. Please be MUCH more specific about what you are asking.
You know that space has geometry... So is it changes.. I want to know only.
 
STAR GIRL said:
You know that space has geometry... So is it changes.. I want to know only.
This is still a very vague question and I, at least, have not idea how to answer it. Perhaps one of our other members will understand what it is you want do know.
 
phinds said:
This is still a very vague question and I, at least, have not idea how to answer it. Perhaps one of our other members will understand what it is you want do know.
OK sir thank u..
 
STAR GIRL said:
Does Geometry of space Changes?

As @phinds pointed out, this is much too vague to answer. Can you give a specific scenario that illustrates what you are asking about?
 
STAR GIRL said:
Does Geometry of space Changes?

In the presence of matter or energy the metric, which tells you how to measure lengths varies from place to place. If that's what you mean by geometry then yes.
 
In simple terms the geometry of spacetime is defined by the trajectory followed by photons traveling between any two arbitrary points in space. The portion of the universe visible to us appears, as best we can measure, to be perfectly flat within a fraction of a percent. The most important caveat is that gravitational fields cause photon trajectories to locally depart from otherwise perfectly straight lines. This referred to as curvature, which is most prominently exhibited by what is called Einstein rings
 
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