Has General relativity been proven wrong ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity of general relativity and the concept of space-time, particularly in relation to gravity. Participants explore whether general relativity has been proven wrong and the implications of differing beliefs about gravity and space-time in educational contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that general relativity has not been falsified by any observations.
  • There is a suggestion that the concept of space-time is still relevant and permeates modern physics.
  • Concerns are raised about the knowledge of a physics teacher who appears skeptical about gravity's relation to space-time.
  • Questions are posed regarding the teacher's beliefs about gravity, whether it is viewed as a distortion of space-time or as a distinct force.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the teacher's understanding of the topic, indicating a lack of clarity in their statements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of general relativity and the concept of space-time, with no consensus reached on the teacher's stance or the implications of their beliefs.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the teacher's qualifications and the specific beliefs they hold about gravity and space-time.

jamesfirst
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I'd like to know whether the concept of space-time still exists today

My physics teacher doesn't like to believe gravity in relation to space-time
 
Physics news on Phys.org
General has not been falsified by any observations.
 
A good nontechnical book on this topic is Was Einstein Right? by Clifford Will.
 
jamesfirst said:
My physics teacher doesn't like to believe gravity in relation to space-time

Is he/she a theoretical physicist working on quantum gravity, or a high school teacher still suckling on Newton's teat?
 
jamesfirst said:
I'd like to know whether the concept of space-time still exists today

Yes, and the concept permeates modern Physics.

My physics teacher doesn't like to believe gravity in relation to space-time

Unfortunately, it sounds like your teacher is not very knowledgeable.
 
jamesfirst said:
My physics teacher doesn't like to believe gravity in relation to space-time
What do you mean by this?
Does not believe that gravity is a distortion of spacetime?
Does not believe that gravity is a force distinct from spacetime?

Both those could be implied by your statement, yet one is true and one is false. Either your teacher knows what he's talking about and is telling you so, or possibly he does not know what he's talking about and is telling you so.

The net effect is that I do not know what you teacher is talking about, and am telling you so.
 

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