- #1
Glenn
I have read about attempts such as String Theory, M-Theory, Loop Quantum Gravity Theory, etc. to unify the four forces of physics into one grand unified theory.
My question is, why is gravity considered a "force" that needs to be unified into this equation?
In General Relativity, the principal of equivalence says that the effects of gravity and the effects of acceleration are indistinguishable. Thus gravity and acceleration are equivalent.
Isn't Einstein saying that the idea that gravity as a force that attracts masses to other masses is unnecessary?
Isn't he saying that the presence of mass changes the geometry of space-time curving it. We perceive this curving as "gravity". In the absence of matter space-time is flat. The larger the amount of matter, the greater the curvature of space-time. The curvature of space-time is greatest near the massive object and progressively decreases as you move farther away.
With this is mind, how is gravity any more a "force" than centrifugal force is a "force"?
Thanks,
Glenn
My question is, why is gravity considered a "force" that needs to be unified into this equation?
In General Relativity, the principal of equivalence says that the effects of gravity and the effects of acceleration are indistinguishable. Thus gravity and acceleration are equivalent.
Isn't Einstein saying that the idea that gravity as a force that attracts masses to other masses is unnecessary?
Isn't he saying that the presence of mass changes the geometry of space-time curving it. We perceive this curving as "gravity". In the absence of matter space-time is flat. The larger the amount of matter, the greater the curvature of space-time. The curvature of space-time is greatest near the massive object and progressively decreases as you move farther away.
With this is mind, how is gravity any more a "force" than centrifugal force is a "force"?
Thanks,
Glenn