Why does space-time curve around objects?
Gravity is the curvature of spacetime Gravity is the curvature of the universe, caused by massive bodies, which determines the path that objects travel. That curvature is dynamical, moving as those objects move. In Einstein’s view of the world, gravity is the curvature of spacetime caused by massive objects.
Do all objects bend space-time?
You don’t have to be the size of a planet to do some space-time warping. Large objects such as the Sun and planets aren’t the only masses that warp the fabric of space-time. Anything with mass—including your body—bends this four-dimensional cosmic grid.
What does space time curve into?
Nothing. It curves into nothing because there is nothing for it to curve into.
Does speed warp spacetime?
Since in the observer’s frame they are stationary and the Sun is moving, the conclusion is that velocity does not change the spacetime curvature.
Does speed bend space time?
No, because speed is a relative concept with no absolutes. Whatever speed an object is relative to another body, relative to space it is at rest. A good question. We say that mass “bends space time,” aka creates a gravitational force, so any object at any velocity does that.
Is time bent by gravity?
Gravitational time dilation occurs because objects with a lot of mass create a strong gravitational field. The gravitational field is really a curving of space and time. The stronger the gravity, the more spacetime curves, and the slower time itself proceeds.
How does mass curve space?
When a smaller mass passes near a larger mass, it curves toward the larger mass because spacetime itself is curved toward the larger mass. The smaller mass is not “attracted” to the larger mass by any force. The smaller mass simply follows the structure of curved spacetime near the larger mass.
Why do objects fall in straight lines through space?
As you run time forward you’ll notice that, even though no force is acting on them (don’t say gravity) and they are traveling in straight lines through space-time, they still move together (fall toward the Earth). This is due entirely to the Earth curving space-time around it.
Is gravity actually curved space?
If gravity is actually curved space and if falling objects are simply following the natural curves of space why does each object have its own curve? This is a great question which goes to the heart of why Einstein said gravity is the curvature of space-time, rather than just the curvature of space.
What is the curvature of spacetime?
A distortion in the way we measure distance implies curvature. In the context of general relativity, this is what we mean when we say spacetime is curved. Distance has warped such that the straightest possible path is not what you expect.
How do objects travel through space without gravity?
In the absence of an external force, objects travel along the straightest possible paths, geodesics, through spacetime. In the absence of gravity, those paths look like the straight lines we’re all used to. But in the presence of mass, they can look very curved.