The discussion centers on whether oxygen and nitrogen, as forms of matter, can bend space-time and to what extent this occurs. Participants explore the implications of general relativity regarding the bending of space-time by various forms of matter and energy, including atomic and molecular scales.
Participants generally agree that all forms of matter and energy bend space-time according to general relativity. However, there is no consensus on the specific implications or the extent of bending at different scales, particularly regarding atomic versus larger bodies.
The discussion includes assumptions about the scale of matter being considered (e.g., atoms versus larger quantities) and the implications of general relativity, which may not be fully resolved in terms of specific measurements or definitions.
rationalist76 said:I understand that matter and energy bend space time, yet i am curious as to the level at which it requires to bend it. This is obviously an elementary leveled question, but i am quite curious. Also, is there any level of matter that is incapable of bending space-time? Thank you!
PAllen said:All forms of matter and energy bend spacetime according to general relativity. As for significance, you don't specify whether you mean atoms of oxygen or nitrogen, or a blob of gas (or how much gas). Assuming atoms, and assuming 'near the nucleus', one measure of 'amount of curvature' is the Kretschmann invariant. This invariant next to the nucleus of a Nitrogen atom is over 25 orders of magnitude greater than at the Earth's surface. Thus, one might expect strong tidal gravity at the surface of the nucleus compared to the surface of the earth.