How does mass cause the curvature of spacetime at a distance?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of how mass causes the curvature of spacetime at a distance, particularly in the context of general relativity. Participants explore theoretical implications and interpretations of gravity, its nature, and the role of mass in spacetime curvature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how mass can curve spacetime at great distances, noting the vacuum of outer space surrounding massive objects.
  • Another participant suggests that if gravity is considered as a particle, the explanation becomes clearer.
  • A different viewpoint asserts that gravity is not a force but rather a result of spacetime curvature, raising the same question about distant effects.
  • Some participants reference Einstein's field equations (EFE) as a fundamental explanation of gravity, with one noting that these equations are local and imply that mass only affects the immediate region of spacetime.
  • There is a mention that general relativity (GR) models gravity as a field rather than a particle, suggesting that even "empty space" contains gravitational fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of gravity, with some arguing it is a force while others contend it is a manifestation of spacetime curvature. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing interpretations present.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the local nature of Einstein's field equations and the implications for understanding gravitational effects at a distance, but there is no consensus on how to reconcile these ideas with the concept of distant curvature.

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Since it's been observed that mass causes the curvature of the spacetime continuum. I'm wondering how it curves the spacetime continuum at a distance. For example, a planet will curve the spacetime around it millions of miles away, yet all around the planet is the almost perfect vacuum of outer space. So how do objects cause the curvature of the spacetime continuum so far away?
 
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If you think of gravity as a particle, I think it's fairly obvious.
 
James Leighe said:
If you think of gravity as a particle, I think it's fairly obvious.

Not at all. To my understanding, gravity is not a force. Gravitation is caused by the curvature of the spacetime continuum. I'm wondering how does mass curve spacetime at far (infinite) distances.
 
Gravity is a force.
 
By means of Einstein's field equations. They represent our deepest understanding of gravity, so that is the deepest explanation you can get :-)
 
I second torquil's answer and further mention that the EFE are local equations, so there is no need to think of mass bending spacetime at a distance. It only bends the piece of spacetime where it is located, and then that piece bends the next piece, which bends the next piece, etc.
 
James Leighe said:
If you think of gravity as a particle, I think it's fairly obvious.

GR doesn't model gravity as a particle but as a field. Einstein's conclusion was that as according to GR "empty space" contains gravitational fields, "empty space" (vacuum) isn't physically empty. Interestingly, QM led to a similar conclusion.
 

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