Is spacetime truly flat without gravitational influences?

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SUMMARY

In theoretical terms, removing all gravitational influences from a portion of spacetime would render that region flat. However, this scenario is impossible due to gravity's inherent nature of having no bounds. The discussion references the limitations of the Minkowski spacetime model, emphasizing that it serves as a tangent space to a pseudo-Riemannian manifold. Additionally, the finite size of the universe restricts the applicability of Minkowski space, as it is bound by the relationship R=c*T, where c is the speed of light and T is the time since the Big Bang.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's equations and their implications on spacetime curvature
  • Familiarity with Minkowski spacetime and pseudo-Riemannian manifolds
  • Knowledge of gravitational influences and their effects on spacetime
  • Basic concepts of cosmology, including the finite size of the universe
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Einstein's General Relativity on spacetime curvature
  • Study the properties and applications of pseudo-Riemannian manifolds
  • Explore the concept of Minkowski spacetime in greater detail
  • Investigate the finite universe model and its constraints on cosmological theories
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Theoretical physicists, cosmologists, and students of general relativity seeking to deepen their understanding of spacetime and gravitational influences.

Mr. Paradox
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If someone were to remove all of the gravitational influences on a portion of space would that essentially make that portion of spacetime flat? (Just curious):-p
 
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Yes it would be flat. However it is impossible to remove all influence of gravity because gravity has no bounds.
 
Well of couse i am speaking in theoretical terms
 
Always curvature, and always mass. In other words, both sides of Einstein eq. The cover of MTW is wrong also. Idealized Minkowski manifold is a tangent space to pseudo Reimannian manifold. Also try to define mass in Minkowski spacetime manifold; some modes are at infiniity.
 
Mr. Paradox said:
If someone were to remove all of the gravitational influences on a portion of space would that essentially make that portion of spacetime flat? (Just curious):-p

Even though you can imagine and even work with the Minkowski space-time, it is limited by the size of the universe which is finite. It occupies the space of about R=c*T where c is the light speed and T is the time since the big bang. there is no sense to speak of space where the matter or light has not reached yet.

Bob.
 

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