The discussion centers on the mechanism of how matter influences the curvature of space-time, emphasizing that it is energy, momentum, and stress that serve as the sources of this curvature, as articulated by the Einstein field equations. The participants agree that while gravitational waves propagate at the speed of light, the exact speed of curvature propagation remains uncertain. Future theories of gravity may provide deeper insights, potentially involving quantum fields, but no definitive mechanism exists beyond the current understanding. The conversation highlights the complexities and ongoing debates surrounding the nature of gravity and space-time curvature.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of gravity and space-time curvature.
I don't see how this contradicts what I said. My comments were about a theory in general. If you alter the underlying assumptions, it might give you the old theory as a result in some limit, but it will be a different theory that rests on its own assumptions for which no "mechanism" is provided.Ibix said:Slightly contradicting Orodruin, it's possible that a future theory of gravity would provide an explanation, perhaps in terms of some quantum field (or some other structure - I make no predictions). But then you could ask similar questions about the quantum field and Orodruin's answer would be the only one available.
I read your post as implying that there's no possibility of a more fundamental theory of gravity than general relativity. I know you don't think that, but that's how I read your answer. All I meant was that the OP's specific question may one day have an answer of the sort I suspect the OP wants - "stress-energy emits gravitons", or something like that (I know that's not how quantum gravity theories work). As you say, that theory will rest on its own assumptions that are only justified in a post hoc "because it works" way.Orodruin said:I don't see how this contradicts what I said.