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cianfa72
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However, as you highlighted before, even in this case the body's COM continues to follow a geodesic path in free-fall.PeterDonis said:
Macroscopic objects in free-fall
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter cianfa72
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SUMMARY
This discussion centers on the behavior of macroscopic objects in free-fall, particularly regarding the interplay between internal electromagnetic forces and gravitational effects. It establishes that while the internal constituents of an object, such as a rock or a sphere with a rubber ball inside, experience non-geodesic paths due to these forces, the center of mass (COM) of the entire object still follows a geodesic path in spacetime when free from external forces. The conversation also touches on the implications of tidal forces and the concept of "center of energy" in systems involving massless particles like light.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of Newton's laws of motion, particularly the third law.
- Familiarity with general relativity concepts, including geodesics and spacetime curvature.
- Knowledge of electromagnetic forces and their effects on matter.
- Basic grasp of tidal forces and their implications in gravitational fields.
- Explore the concept of geodesics in general relativity and their significance in free-fall scenarios.
- Study the effects of tidal forces on macroscopic bodies in gravitational fields.
- Investigate the role of electromagnetic forces in maintaining structural integrity within objects under gravitational stress.
- Learn about the "center of energy" and its relevance in systems involving massless particles.
Physicists, students of general relativity, and anyone interested in the dynamics of macroscopic objects in gravitational fields will benefit from this discussion.