Space-Time Curvature: Evidence of Mass Effect?

In summary, there is evidence that space-time fabric can be curved around massive objects. This is observed through effects such as the bending of light and the acceleration of satellites in free fall. This curvature is described by the theory of general relativity, which explains gravity as the curvature of space-time. However, this is considered a good description rather than direct evidence of space-time curvature.
  • #1
Muhammad Sabih
6
0
There exist evidence that space time fabric can be curved arround massive objects?
 
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  • #2
Yes.
 
  • #3
i mean how?
can anyone explain?
 
  • #4
We have observed the light from distant stars being curved around the sun during eclipses.
 
  • #5
"Curved" is based on Euclidean Geometry. Space-time does not follow Euclidean geometry, it follow Riemann geometry and objects naturally follow Riemann straight lines, called geodesics, in space-time. From the reference point of Euclidean geometry, these straight lines appear curved although in their own frame, they are straight lines.

As an analogy, think of a straight line on the surface of the Earth. This forms a curve (specifically a circle).

Gravity causes things to follow geodesics so when light goes close to a massive object such as a star or a galaxy, it follows a geodesic, which in Euclidean terms appears curved.
 
  • #6
Muhammad Sabih said:
There exist evidence that space time fabric can be curved arround massive objects?
All tidal effects are evidence of spacetime curvature, including the fact that satellites in free fall can accelerate relative to each other.
 
  • #7
Muhammad Sabih said:
There exist evidence that space time fabric can be curved arround massive objects?
Experimenta confirm GR to a high degree of precisiom, and GR describes gravity as spacetime curvature. But that is not 'evidence that spacetime is curved', only that it offers a good description. Newtonian gravity can also be described as spacetime curvature, and GR as a massless spin-2 theory.
 

1. What is space-time curvature?

Space-time curvature is a concept in physics that describes how the presence of mass and energy can cause a distortion in the fabric of space and time. This distortion is what we perceive as gravity.

2. How is space-time curvature related to the theory of general relativity?

The theory of general relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, explains that gravity is not a force between masses, but rather a result of the curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass and energy. This theory has been supported by numerous observations and experiments, providing evidence for the existence of space-time curvature.

3. What is the evidence for space-time curvature?

There are several pieces of evidence that support the existence of space-time curvature. One of the most famous examples is the bending of light around massive objects, such as stars, which was observed during a solar eclipse in 1919. Other evidence includes the gravitational redshift, the precession of Mercury's orbit, and the gravitational time dilation.

4. How does the mass of an object affect space-time curvature?

The more massive an object is, the greater its effect on space-time curvature. This is because mass is directly related to the amount of energy an object has, and according to Einstein's theory of general relativity, energy and mass are interchangeable. Therefore, the more massive an object is, the more energy it has, and the stronger its effect on space-time curvature.

5. Can space-time curvature be observed directly?

Unfortunately, space-time curvature cannot be observed directly as it is a four-dimensional concept. However, its effects can be observed through various experiments and observations, as mentioned earlier. Scientists also use mathematical equations, such as the Einstein field equations, to calculate and predict the curvature of space-time.

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