Is Einstein's Gravity Theory Historically Accurate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the historical accuracy of Einstein's theory of gravity, particularly focusing on the equivalence of acceleration and gravity, the concept of spacetime, and the challenges in understanding these ideas. Participants explore the historical context and interpretations of Einstein's work, as well as seek resources for further study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that Einstein's theory suggests that acceleration and gravity are indistinguishable experiences, leading to the conclusion that they are fundamentally the same.
  • Others note that Einstein's descriptions and those of contemporaneous scientists may have evolved over time as understanding of relativity improved.
  • A participant references the "equivalence principle" as a key concept related to the discussion and provides a link for further investigation.
  • Another participant expresses a desire for book recommendations that include equations and solved problems related to general relativity, indicating a need for resources that cater to amateur learners with a mathematical background.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic premise of Einstein's theory regarding the equivalence of acceleration and gravity, but there is acknowledgment of varying interpretations and historical descriptions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the accuracy and evolution of these interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the historical context of Einstein's work and the varying interpretations of his theories. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of these interpretations or the mathematical details involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in the historical development of gravitational theory, the philosophical implications of relativity, and those seeking educational resources in general relativity.

Nickelodeon
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Just wondered if the following extract is historically correct ...


Einstein's and now main stream's current gravity theory is based on the belief that if you were accelerating in a spacecraft you wouldn't be able to distinguish between this experience and that of gravity. It was then decided that acceleration and gravity were the same. The next challenge was to explain how we could be accelerating upwards with 1g without apparently moving and even more of a challenge to explain why two masses tend to move together.
For acceleration, you need a spatial component and a time component hence the evolution of the idea of 'spacetime', a bundling of these two dependent dimensions together. Gravity is explained as a natural property of matter which has the ability to warp or distort this 'spacetime'. The passage of time varies the closer you get to a gravity source and the geometry of the spatial component changes whereby our idea of a straight line becomes more and more curved.


Is this ok?
 
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Einstein's and now main stream's current gravity theory is based on the belief that if you were accelerating in a spacecraft you wouldn't be able to distinguish between this experience and that of gravity. It was then decided that acceleration and gravity were the same.

Yes, at least as far as I have quoted...The above seems to match what I have read in various accounts...You can read Einstein's own version in RELATIVITY, at http://www.bartleby.com/173/

One of the difficulties is that likely Einstein's own descriptions and certainly that of many of the scientists of his time almost certainy varied as the features of relativity were unraveled and understanding improved.

You can also investate further via researching the "equivalence principle"...here is one version...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equivalence_principle
 
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Naty1 said:
Yes, at least as far as I have quoted...The above seems to match what I have read in various accounts...You can read Einstein's own version in RELATIVITY, at http://www.bartleby.com/173/

Thanks for that great link. It's good to get it straight from the horses mouth rather than by chinese whispers.
 
Book recommendations ? ... I know some pieces of general relativity and I can accept them. But I want to try to understand the formula. As an amature but with some math background, I like to have books with exact equations and example solved problems. Can anyone like to recommend books ?
 
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