Gravity After Mass Conversion to Energy - Layman's Guide

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the implications of converting mass to energy on gravitational fields, focusing on qualitative aspects rather than quantitative analysis. Participants engage with concepts related to mass-energy equivalence and its effects on gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how gravity is affected when mass is converted to energy.
  • Another participant asserts that mass and energy are fundamentally equivalent, indicating that gravity is influenced by the mass-energy tensor rather than just mass alone.
  • A further contribution expands on this by stating that there would be no difference in the gravitational field between a source mass and an equivalent source of energy, referencing the mass-energy equivalence formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the equivalence of mass and energy in relation to gravity, but the discussion remains open to further exploration of the implications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the qualitative implications of mass-energy conversion on gravitational fields, and assumptions regarding the definitions of mass and energy are not fully explored.

teroenza
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Hello all,
I have am just a curious layman wondering qualitatively what happens to somethings gravity (field?) if some or all of it's mass is converted to energy.
Thank you
-Ter

P.s. Sorry if this is the wrong section for this.
 
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No, because mass and energy are basically the same thing. Gravity depends on the "mass-energy tensor" not just mass.
 


To expand on what HallsofIvy said, there would be no difference in gravitational field with a source mass, and a gravitational field with an equivalent source energy (If you use e=mcc to have equal energy and mass). Hope this helps,

V
 


Thank you both very much.
 

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