Is the Electromagnetic Field Curved Like Spacetime Near a Charge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the electromagnetic field and spacetime curvature, particularly whether the electromagnetic field behaves similarly to spacetime in the vicinity of a charge, akin to how spacetime curves near a mass. The scope includes conceptual exploration and theoretical implications of electromagnetic fields in relation to gravity and spacetime.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the electromagnetic field curves near a charge in a manner analogous to spacetime curvature near a mass.
  • Another participant notes that while gravity relates to the curvature of spacetime, different charges behave differently in an electric field, suggesting a distinction between gravitational and electromagnetic interactions.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about their understanding of the topic and seeks guidance on how to approach the subject further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of electromagnetic fields compared to gravitational fields, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the relationship between electromagnetic fields and spacetime curvature, and there are indications of varying levels of understanding and background knowledge among them.

nojustay
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As far as I know, we can describe the universe as if every bodies uses to follow a straight path in a curved space-time. What kind of role does the electromagnetic field play in all of this? Can we associate a "space-like" field curved by the charge of the particle with it?

Does the electromagnetic field curve nearby a charge like the space-time curve nearby a mass?
 
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nojustay said:
As far as I know, we can describe the universe as if every bodies uses to follow a straight path in a curved space-time. What kind of role does the electromagnetic field play in all of this? Can we associate a "space-like" field curved by the charge of the particle with it?

Does the electromagnetic field curve nearby a charge like the space-time curve nearby a mass?

hi there
you have tagged your thread with an I for undergraduate level ... what studies / research have you done so far on this subject
so that others know where you are at ?
 
Yeah sorry, I haven't chosen the tag quite accurately, maybe it's too simple for undergraduate.
Actually I haven't done any kind of study on the subject yet, but I'm trying to.

The question was only my own curiosity.
If I'm too confused what kind of path would you suggest me to understand?
 
All objects, regardless of their mass, have the same acceleration in a gravitational field. This implies that gravity has to do with the nature of spacetime rather than the properties of the objects themselves i.e. gravity is curved spacetime. Different charges accelerate differently in an electric field (unless the ratio of charge to mass is the same), so it's a different situation.
 

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