I On gravity and the conservation of energy

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Gravity behaves differently from other forces, as it warps spacetime rather than having a defined range and carrier particles. The discussion raises concerns about how gravity seems to contradict the conservation of energy, particularly when objects like asteroids accelerate without apparent energy input. It suggests that gravity's effect may be due to a compression of spacetime, but questions arise about where the energy for this compression comes from and how it maintains itself. The idea of a balance between compression and stretching of spacetime is proposed, potentially explaining phenomena like dark matter and the expansion of the universe. The conversation emphasizes the need for clearer explanations and a better understanding of the underlying physics.
  • #31
PeterDonis said:
"Compression" is not a good description. "Curvature" is better
In the Newtonian limit all gravity is encoded in ##g_{00}(x)##, which is more like "compression" (of time) than like curvature.
 

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