Mass equivalence and instantaneous gravitational field

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Max Born's explanation of a train collision and its implications for understanding gravitational fields in general relativity (GR). It highlights two key features of gravitational fields: causation, where the field appears coincidentally with the collision, and propagation, where the field affects the entire universe instantaneously. Participants debate the nature of gravitational fields, asserting that while they cannot be directly observed, their effects can be seen in the motion of celestial bodies. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between the gravitational field as a physical entity and the characteristics of spacetime influenced by gravity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity (GR) principles
  • Familiarity with tensors and their properties
  • Knowledge of inertial and non-inertial reference frames
  • Basic concepts of gravitational fields and spacetime
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical properties of tensors in general relativity
  • Explore the implications of non-inertial frames in GR
  • Investigate the observable effects of gravitational fields on celestial bodies
  • Read Max Born's works on the relationship between gravity and spacetime
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of general relativity, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of gravitational fields and their implications in modern physics.

  • #31
GregAshmore said:
Relativity is a tough subject, both conceptually and mathematically.

It's also a very beautiful subject, and fundamentally a simple one. Make sure to post on PF whenever you run into snags!
 

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