This discussion centers on the complexities of gravity and its relationship with the conservation of energy. The original poster questions how gravity can cause acceleration without an apparent energy source, particularly when considering scenarios like an asteroid being slingshotted by Earth's gravity. Responses clarify that gravity affects time rather than space, emphasizing that the paths of falling objects maximize proper time, which is a more accurate representation than the "gravity well" analogy. The conversation highlights the need for a better understanding of spacetime curvature and its implications for energy conservation.
PREREQUISITESStudents and enthusiasts of physics, particularly those interested in gravitational theory, spacetime concepts, and the conservation of energy in the context of general relativity.
In the Newtonian limit all gravity is encoded in ##g_{00}(x)##, which is more like "compression" (of time) than like curvature.PeterDonis said:"Compression" is not a good description. "Curvature" is better