Inverse Square Law + Special Relativity

In summary, the conversation discusses whether Newton's inverse square law, if it were to obey the rules of special relativity instead of acting instantly at a distance, would make similar predictions as general relativity. It is noted that the results are similar but not the same, as GR also predicts spatial curvature and gravitational time dilation. There is also a discussion on whether Maxwell's equations can be formulated more like GR, with a reference to a source discussing electrodynamics in curved spacetime.
  • #1
nassboy
39
0
If one assumes that Newtons inverse square law does not act instantly at a distance, and instead obeys the rules of special relativity does it make similar predictions as general relativity?

Has anybody worked this out? Maybe the result is similar to maxwell's equations.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The EM potential acting at a retarded time already followed from Maxwell's equations, well before relativity. The effect is well understood and has nothing to do with GR.
 
  • #3
nassboy said:
If one assumes that Newtons inverse square law does not act instantly at a distance, and instead obeys the rules of special relativity does it make similar predictions as general relativity?

Has anybody worked this out? Maybe the result is similar to maxwell's equations.

Yes, and the results are similar to GR, but there are differences. Wald writes in his book on GR that this would have been the more straightforward way to describe gravity. Had Einstein not invented GR, we would very likely have been stuck with a flawed theory for a very long time (because if observations show a small discepancy, you can always model that by introducing extra terms).

Kaku has claimed that GR would only have been formulated in the 1970s, had Einstein not discovered it.
 
  • #4
nassboy said:
f one assumes that Newtons inverse square law does not act instantly at a distance, and instead obeys the rules of special relativity does it make similar predictions as general relativity?
Similar but not the same. It doesn't predict spatial curvature and gravitational time dilation. Discussed here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=324457&p=2270590
 
  • #5
Reversing the question then...can maxwell's equations be formulated more like GR?
 
  • #6

1. What is the Inverse Square Law?

The Inverse Square Law is a physical principle that states that the intensity of a physical quantity, such as light or gravity, is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. This means that as the distance from the source increases, the intensity decreases exponentially.

2. How does the Inverse Square Law apply to light?

In the context of light, the Inverse Square Law states that the intensity of light decreases as the distance from the source increases. This is because light spreads out in all directions as it travels, resulting in a decrease in intensity as it covers a larger area.

3. What is Special Relativity?

Special Relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that describes the relationship between space and time in the absence of gravity. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, regardless of their relative velocities.

4. How does Special Relativity relate to the Inverse Square Law?

Special Relativity does not directly relate to the Inverse Square Law. However, it does play a role in understanding the behavior of light and how it obeys the Inverse Square Law. Special Relativity helps explain how the speed of light remains constant for all observers, regardless of their relative velocities.

5. Can the Inverse Square Law and Special Relativity be applied to other physical quantities?

Yes, the Inverse Square Law and Special Relativity can be applied to a variety of physical quantities, such as electric and magnetic fields. Both principles are fundamental to our understanding of the laws of physics and play a crucial role in many scientific theories and experiments.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
32
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
29
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Mechanics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
1K
Back
Top