Energy & Gravity: Why Does Matter Curve Space?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between energy, gravity, and the curvature of space in the context of General Relativity (GR). It establishes that separating masses requires work, which stores energy in the gravitational field, and that this energy is released as kinetic energy when masses move freely. The conversation emphasizes that in GR, energy, which includes mass as a form, is responsible for curving space. The analogy used suggests that questioning why energy curves space is akin to questioning the inherent properties of geometric shapes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR)
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational fields
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy concepts
  • Comprehension of mass-energy equivalence
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of General Relativity and its implications on spacetime
  • Explore the concept of gravitational fields and their energy storage
  • Investigate the relationship between mass and energy in physics
  • Learn about the mathematical formulations of energy curvature in spacetime
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Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of gravity and spacetime curvature.

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For an object to be moved or accelerated it needs energy.From where does the energy for gravitation comes from?
For any answer about spacetime,Why do matter curves space?
 
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Hey adjacent, these are common questions - have you tried looking for answers elsewhere?
You get better value for asking for clarification of a previous answer than just asking cold.

In short:
Separating masses requires work - which stores energy in the gravitational field.
When the masses are allowed to move freely, that energy gets released as kinetic.
Why? Them's the rules.

Note: the above was in the classical model - in GR, energy curves space. Mass is one form of energy.
Why does energy curve space? Again - them's the rules. It's a bit like asking why circles are round.
 

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