What is the force behind matter's ability to curve space-time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of gravity as described by Einstein's general theory of relativity, specifically focusing on the mechanisms behind the curvature of space-time caused by mass. Participants explore the conceptual understanding of how mass influences space-time without invoking traditional forces or fields.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what 'force or field' causes the distortion of time and space, seeking clarity on how these concepts interact with massive objects like the Earth and the moon.
  • Another participant asserts that mass is responsible for the distortion in spacetime, while spacetime dictates the motion of mass.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that in general relativity, there is no separate "field"; rather, the background is the space-time itself, complicating quantization efforts.
  • One participant challenges the notion that mass alone causes distortion, asking what force mass uses to create this effect.
  • Another response clarifies that energy-momentum, not just mass, determines the strength of gravity, noting that mass contributes significantly to energy, which aligns with Newton's law of gravity.
  • It is proposed that matter inherently curves space-time, likening this to how particles possess various charges, suggesting that curving space-time is a fundamental property of matter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the forces or mechanisms behind the curvature of space-time, with no consensus reached on the specifics of how mass interacts with space-time.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of general relativity and the challenges in reconciling traditional notions of force with the framework of spacetime curvature. There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions and implications of mass, energy, and their roles in gravitational interactions.

SampsonB
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Can anyone explain to a layman (Me) the following paradox?

Einstein's general theory says that gravity is not a force or a field but a distortion of time and space. Therefore the pull between the Earth and the moon is an interaction of this distortion on time and space.
My question is what 'force or field' causes this distortion. In other words if both the Earth and the moon are not producing any fields or forces then how does time (my clock) and space (my ruler) 'know' they are even there in order that they change compared to time and space not near a massive object?

If the answer is not understandable without immersing ones self in heavy mathematics then I apologize for the question.

Thank You

SamB
 
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Mass causes the distortion in spacetime, spacetime tells mass how to move
 
There is no "field" in GR. The "field" is the background space-time itself.

This is one reason GR is so difficult to quantize. There is no "field on top of a background", but only the background.
 
phinds said:
Mass causes the distortion in spacetime, spacetime tells mass how to move
What force does 'Mass' use to cause this distortion?
 
phinds said:
Mass causes the distortion in spacetime, spacetime tells mass how to move

Actually, this isn't true for GR. Energy-momentum determines the strength of gravity, not mass. Mass makes, by far, the largest contribution to the energy, which is why Newton's law of gravity was such a good approximation.

SampsonB said:
What force does 'Mass' use to cause this distortion?

Matter curves space-time, that's just the way it is. Some particles have electric charge. Some have color charge. Similarly, curving space-time is just something matter does.
 

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