Mass Bending Space: Theories Explored

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between mass and space in terms of a metaphor. The idea is that mass is like a pulling and clumping of the space web, but this metaphor is not necessarily an accurate representation of the complex reality. The theories and models used to understand this relationship do not rely on metaphors, but rather on more precise and scientific concepts.
  • #1
brian44cali
3
0
It seems obvious to me that mass isn't just bending space but it's essentially bent space. Have any previous theories shown this before?
 
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  • #3
DaleSpam said:
What do you mean by that?


To put it metaphorically: Space is a web and mass is just the pulling and clumping of that web.
 
  • #4
Well that's the trouble with metaphors. Metaphors make something complex seem simpler, but that doesn't mean that one can take the simple model and interpolate properties into the complex model.

Which is why theories don't deal with metaphors.
 
  • #5
brian44cali said:
To put it metaphorically: Space is a web and mass is just the pulling and clumping of that web.
What do you mean by that.
 
  • #6
Mass is NOT spacetime (rather, it is extremely compact energy), though if I remember correctly they are dependent on each other for existence.
 

FAQ: Mass Bending Space: Theories Explored

1. What is mass bending space?

Mass bending space refers to the concept in physics that massive objects, such as planets or stars, can warp the fabric of space-time, causing the path of objects around them to be curved.

2. How does mass bending space affect the movement of objects?

Mass bending space can affect the movement of objects by causing them to follow curved paths, rather than straight lines. This is known as gravitational lensing and can be observed in the bending of light around massive objects.

3. What theories explain mass bending space?

Theories that explain mass bending space include Einstein's theory of general relativity and Newton's law of universal gravitation. Other theories, such as string theory, also attempt to explain the phenomenon.

4. Can mass bending space be observed?

Yes, mass bending space can be observed through various phenomena, such as gravitational lensing, time dilation, and gravitational waves. These observations provide evidence for the theories that explain mass bending space.

5. What are the practical applications of understanding mass bending space?

Understanding mass bending space is crucial for accurately predicting the movements of objects in space, such as planets and satellites. It also has practical applications in technologies such as GPS, which relies on the precise calculation of space-time distortions caused by Earth's mass.

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