Possible title: Could Discontinuous Spacetime Explain Gravity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of discontinuous spacetime as a potential explanation for gravity, questioning the traditional interpretation of the Einstein field equations (EFE) and how matter interacts with spacetime. The scope includes theoretical considerations and reinterpretations of existing gravitational models.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that rather than matter distorting spacetime to create gravity, discontinuous areas of spacetime could lead to concentrated areas of gravity that attract matter.
  • Others argue against the existence of discontinuous areas in spacetime, citing that spacetime is described as a continuous 4-dimensional manifold in general relativity.
  • One participant references the Oppenheimer-Snyder solution to the EFE to illustrate how infalling matter behaves under general relativity, suggesting that this framework does not support the idea of discontinuous spacetime.
  • There is a challenge regarding the implications of discontinuities, with some questioning the necessity of these regions to follow matter in all experimental contexts.
  • Participants express a need for precision in defining what is meant by "discontinuities in spacetime," indicating a lack of clarity in the original proposal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus, as there are competing views on the existence and implications of discontinuous spacetime in relation to gravity. Some uphold the continuity of spacetime, while others explore the alternative hypothesis of discontinuities.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the definitions and assumptions surrounding spacetime continuity and the implications for gravitational theory. There are unresolved questions about the observational consequences of proposed discontinuities.

Donald Marks
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According to current theory, high concentrations of matter warp space-time and create gravity.
The Einstein field equations EFE describe the fundamental interaction of gravitation as a result of spacetime being curved by matter and energy.
Would not a reinterpretation of the EFE lead to the following alternative explanation of how matter collects to form planets and stars? Rather than matter collecting, distorting space-time and thereby creating gravity effect, could discontinuous areas of SpaceTime result in concentrated areas of gravity which then attract collections of matter?
 
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Donald Marks said:
Would not a reinterpretation of the EFE lead to the following alternative explanation of how matter collects to form planets and stars? Rather than matter collecting, distorting space-time and thereby creating gravity effect, could discontinuous areas of SpaceTime result in concentrated areas of gravity which then attract collections of matter?

No, because there are no discontinuous areas of spacetime in the theory.
The Oppenheimer-Snyder solution to the Einstein field equations describes how infalling matter behaves in general relativity.
 
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In addition, there would be no reason why those regions of spacetime should exactly follow the matter in literally all experiments (including those where matter is accelerated by other forces, like electromagnetism). Unless the matter (more precisely, the stress energy tensor) itself is the source of gravity.
 
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Nugatory said:
No, because there are no discontinuous areas of spacetime in the theory.
The Oppenheimer-Snyder solution to the Einstein field equations describes how infalling matter behaves in general relativity.
It is my understanding that discontinuous areas of spacetime are not excluded in the theory. Discontinuities could not in practicality be excluded by observation.
 
Donald Marks said:
It is my understanding that discontinuous areas of spacetime are not excluded in the theory.

Where are you getting that understanding from? Spacetime is a continuous 4-dimensional manifold in GR.

Donald Marks said:
Discontinuities could not in practicality be excluded by observation.

Why not?

I think you need to be much more precise in explaining exactly what you mean by "discontinuities in spacetime".
 

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