Is mass movement influenced by the curvature of spacetime?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether the movement of a mass is influenced by the curvature of spacetime, particularly in the context of gravitational interactions and self-effects. Participants explore theoretical implications and analogies related to mass movement and spacetime curvature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if a forward-moving planet diverges from its original straight-line path due to its own spacetime curvature.
  • Another participant asserts that gravitational interactions cause all masses to enter the equations of motion (EOMs), indicating complexity in current gravitational theories.
  • A participant draws an analogy to the question of whether an electron is affected by its own electrical field, expressing apprehension about the depth of the inquiry.
  • Further elaboration suggests that a spherical mass creates a symmetrical spacetime distortion without a preferred direction for divergence, raising questions about the nature of such divergence.
  • There is mention of the gravitational self-effect, where the planet's point masses tend to converge towards the center due to their own gravity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of mass movement and spacetime curvature, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves complex theoretical considerations that may depend on specific definitions and assumptions regarding gravitational interactions and spacetime geometry.

TimeRip496
Messages
249
Reaction score
5
Is the movement of a mass affected by its curvature in spacetime? For instance will a forward moving planet diverges from its original straight line path due to the curvature of spacetime cause by it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes. If bodies interact gravitationally then all their masses will enter the EOMs. It is a difficult case to handle in current gravitational theories.
 
Sounds similar to "is the electron affected by its own electrical field?". I shudder at the thought of looking into such depths.
 
TimeRip496 said:
For instance will a forward moving planet diverges from its original straight line path due to the curvature of spacetime cause by it?
Where should it diverge towards? A spherical mass creates a symmetrical spacetime distortion, without any preferred direction.

The gravitational self-effect is the compression under it's own gravity, as all the point masses the planet consists of tend to diverge towards the center.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: wabbit

Similar threads

Undergrad What Is the Radius of Curvature of Space on Earth's Surface Due to Its Mass?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
3K
Undergrad How Does Mass Influence Spacetime Curvature?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Undergrad Notion of parallel worldlines in curved geometry
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Can there be a maximum curvature of spacetime?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Spacetime Curvature: Eliptical Orbital Paths & Keppler Laws
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Why do objects follow a geodesic?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School Curvature of space vs. curvature of spacetime
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
7K
Graduate How Does Spacetime Curvature Affect Light's Movement and Dynamics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
High School Mechanics behind curved time causing gravitation/geodesics
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
8K
Undergrad What initiates gravitational movement?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K