Understand Mach's Principle: What does it Mean?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on Mach's Principle and its implications for understanding inertia and gravitational forces. Participants debate the validity of Mach's ideas, particularly in relation to Einstein's General Relativity (GR), which attempted to incorporate Mach's concepts but ultimately rejected them due to issues like instantaneous action at a distance. Key points include the notion that inertia may arise from the collective influence of mass in the universe, as suggested by Sciama's theory, and the confusion surrounding the physical significance of spinning in an empty universe. The conversation highlights the lack of consensus among physicists regarding the application of Mach's Principle in modern physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR) and its principles
  • Familiarity with Mach's Principle and its historical context
  • Knowledge of inertia and gravitational forces in physics
  • Basic concepts of particle physics and spacetime
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Sciama's theory on matter radiation and its implications for Mach's Principle
  • Explore the historical development of General Relativity and its relation to Mach's ideas
  • Investigate the concept of inertial frames in both Special and General Relativity
  • Examine contemporary debates on the validity of Mach's Principle in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of mechanics and the philosophical implications of inertia and gravity.

  • #31
Look at chapters 2 and 3 of "The Fabric of the Cosmos" by Brian Greene. It is an excellent discussion of Newton's bucket and Mach's Principle.
 
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  • #32
I don't have "Fabric of the Cosmos" handy. What does he say that is new and different?
 

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