Thoughts on gravity and space time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of gravity and its relationship with the warping of space-time, exploring theoretical perspectives on gravity as a phenomenon rather than a force of attraction. Participants examine concepts of equilibrium within warped space-time and the implications of mass and energy on gravitational effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that gravity could be viewed as an object seeking equilibrium within warped space-time, likening it to a cork in water.
  • Another participant counters that gravity is a phenomenon affecting objects, and that space-time warping does not cease at the center of a mass.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the visualization of space-time warping and reiterates their view that gravity is a pressure felt by objects in an attempt to reach equilibrium.
  • It is noted that in General Relativity (GR), objects in free fall advance straight ahead within warped space-time, supporting the idea of equilibrium.
  • Another participant discusses the relationship between temperature, mass, and gravitational effects, suggesting that while gravity diminishes towards the center of a mass, equilibrium is not achieved as forces still act upon the object.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of gravity, with some proposing it as a pressure related to equilibrium in warped space-time, while others maintain that gravity is a phenomenon distinct from these interpretations. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference concepts from General Relativity and the relationship between mass, energy, and gravitational effects, but the discussion includes varying interpretations and lacks consensus on these complex ideas.

Bucko1001
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If the Mass of an object is said to warp space time, could it be said that "gravity" is really an object trying to come to equilibrium within the warped space time, i bit like a cork in water. the reason we feel force at the Earth's surface is that the Earth is already at equilibrium which prevents us from reaching the point of equilibrium.

This points to the fact that weightlessness is just the state of equilibrium within space time.

until these thoughts i used to wonder if the effects of "Gravity" would change the deeper you went into the earth. but now the effects of warped space time must permeate through all mass a bit like the C of G of an aircraft, the warping must reach end at the centre of the mass!

as this is my first time is this just stating the obvious or shall i continue
 
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sorry it took so long but been away. Not quite sure how to understand your link but that would be my failing. Yes you are right i did miss explain myself i was trying to suggest that Gravity is not a force of attraction between 2 objects which is how most explanations show it. my idea is that Gravity is really a pressure felt by an object which is trying to come into equilibrium within warped space time. a bit like a cork in water however this is almost a 2D explanation.
 
Bucko1001 said:
my idea is that Gravity is really a pressure felt by an object which is trying to come into equilibrium within warped space time.
In GR objects which are in equilibrium (free falling) simply advance straight ahead within warped space time. Just like that yellow ball in the linked animation.
 
This would be correct if this object was an atom, you have to understand anything that has matter/energy has a coresponding mass. . . . I think this is correct because something that is hot weighs slightly more than the same object at a cooler temperature hence energy has in some form mass, and vice versa(E=mc2). . . If you take a sphere, all the atoms in this sphere are bending spacetime individually, however the overall force makes them all fall towards the center. And since when you reach the center of the object like if there was a whole in the center of a sphere, yes eventually the effect of gravity on you becomes less and less till you reach the center where there will be no net force, But you have not reached equilibrium. Its like a game of tug of war, when the two teams are evenly matched and the flag doesn't move, its not at equilibrium because the two teams are still exerting forces on the rope.
 

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