How does gravity distort time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of how gravity distorts time, particularly in the context of Einstein's theories of space and time. Participants explore the relationship between gravity and the fabric of spacetime, as well as the implications of gravitational effects on time perception and behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a simplified view of Einstein's concept of space as a 2-dimensional grid, questioning how this relates to time.
  • Another participant challenges this interpretation, asserting that it misrepresents Einstein's ideas and suggests that the gravitational time dilation effect is relevant.
  • A different participant emphasizes that gravity affects spacetime rather than just time, arguing that this distinction is significant.
  • One participant proposes that if gravity only distorted space, it would not account for objects at rest in space, suggesting that time must also be distorted to explain gravitational effects on falling objects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of Einstein's theories and the nature of gravity's effect on time and spacetime. There is no consensus on the correct representation of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on specific interpretations of Einstein's theories, and there are unresolved questions about the nature of time and gravity's influence on it. The discussion includes references to external resources for further exploration.

adimantium
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I understand that Einstein had the idea of space as a 2 dimensional grid with "planets" sitting of the grid, stretching it out, but I don't get why this affects time.
 
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adimantium said:
Why does gravity affect time?

Gravity doesn't affect "time", it affects "spacetime". This is not just semantics. There are plenty of place on the internet to read about this.
 
adimantium said:
I understand that Einstein had the idea of space as a 2 dimensional grid with "planets" sitting of the grid, stretching it out, but I don't get why this affects time.

Think about it: If gravity was just distortion of space, how would it ever affect objects that are initially at rest in space? The distortion of spatial distances can only affect objects which already move through space. But why would an apple start falling from rest. Obviously the time dimension must be distorted too, to affect the apple that initially advances only through time. See animation below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdC0QN6f3G4

See also this pictures that visualize the different effects of gravity:

http://www.physics.ucla.edu/demoweb..._and_general_relativity/curved_spacetime.html
 
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