High School General theory of relativity&Planet orbits

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that both the general theory of relativity and the concept of elliptical planetary orbits are accurate and not mutually exclusive. Einstein's theory posits that gravity arises from the curvature of space and time, affecting planetary motion. While Newtonian physics describes orbits as elliptical, general relativity accounts for small perturbations, such as those observed in Mercury's orbit. Mathematical calculations are essential for understanding these concepts, as planetary orbits are influenced by complex interactions and the geometry of spacetime.

PREREQUISITES
  • General theory of relativity
  • Newtonian mechanics
  • Mathematical modeling of celestial mechanics
  • Understanding of spacetime curvature
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical foundations of general relativity
  • Explore Newton's laws of motion and their application to celestial bodies
  • Investigate the perturbations in planetary orbits using advanced kinematics
  • Learn about the effects of gravitational interactions in multi-body systems
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, students of astrophysics, and anyone interested in the dynamics of planetary motion and the implications of general relativity.

Sai Siddhartha k
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi all,
Only one is true at a time "general theory of relativity or Planetary orbits are elliptical...please clarify me I will thank full to you..
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Assuming that I am correctly comprehending and/or inferring what you are asking,

The statements:
"[The] general theory of relativity [is generally accurate and applicable]"
AND
"Planetary orbits are elliptical."

are both generally true and accurate (in standard usage and understanding) and are in no way mutually exclusive or contradictory.

... or perhaps I misunderstood what is being asked.

diogenesNY
 
  • Like
Likes Klystron
the force of gravity in fact arises from the curvature of space and time. Einstein proposed that objects such as the sun and the Earth change this geometry.
planet orbits are depends on curvature of space And distance from that planet to sun
So planet orbits must be cerculer instead of elliptical.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20180728_011817.jpg
    IMG_20180728_011817.jpg
    50.7 KB · Views: 464
Sai Siddhartha k said:
the force of gravity in fact arises from the curvature of space and time. Einstein proposed that objects such as the sun and the Earth change this geometry.
planet orbits are depends on curvature of space And distance from that planet to sun
So planet orbits must be cerculer instead of elliptical.

Both Newton and Einstein did extensive calculations to show that their theories led to elliptical orbits for the planets. In both cases you need to use the mathematical description of the theory to calculate this. Both theories generate essentially the same energy equation, although in GR there is an extra term, which is negligible for planetary orbits, but not in other cases.

You can't just guess the shape of planetary orbits without using mathematics.

Finally, planetary orbits depend on the geometry of spacetime, not just space.
 
  • Like
Likes davenn
Further to the point, regardless of Newtonian or otherwise... the orbit of a planet is a matter of (fairly complex) kinematics, with factors such as collisions with other celestial bodies (meteors, comets, etc) having effects, as well as complex effects of other gravity wells (such as other planets) in the system. There are also complex variables associated with how any given planet formed (or was captured), adding yet more potential eccentricities.

A planet orbiting around a star is not defined by a simple, clean perfectly abstract 2 body equation.

There is a complex dance of both ongoing and intermittent forces at play. The solar system is a very busy place. Lots going on.

diogenesNY
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes davenn
Planetary orbits are elliptical with small perturbations. Newtonian physics had worked it all out, but there is small discrepancy in the orbit of Mercury, which was explained by General relativity.
 
  • Like
Likes Klystron

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
730
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
619