How was the value of the spacetime curvature obtained?

In summary, the conversation discusses the value of space-time curvature and how it is an extremely small but existing number. The speaker is interested in the possible implications of this for dark energy and how it may change our understanding of it. However, without specific details and references, it is impossible to answer the question. The speaker is advised to do more research and reading on the topic to gain a better understanding. Two suggested links are provided for further reading.
  • #1
arupel
45
2
I received a reply about the value of space time curvature. Evidently it is not zero but an almost unconceiveably
small number. I was just wandering how this number was gotten.
 
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  • #2
We will need a specific reference. There is no way to answer this question without specific details.
 
  • #3
I lost the thread giving the curvature of spacetime. It is extremely small but exists. What thoughts are there about the consideration that the spacetime curvature is not flat and dark energy? Does this change thinking about speculations about the possible nature of dark energy?
 
  • #4
arupel said:
I lost the thread giving the curvature of spacetime. It is extremely small but exists. What thoughts are there about the consideration that the spacetime curvature is not flat and dark energy? Does this change thinking about speculations about the possible nature of dark energy?

We really need the details to be sure we know what you're asking. Try doing some google searches and/or more reading. From the little I've seen, you might try:

http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~ryden/ast162_9/notes40.html

which is probably what you're asking about (spatial curvature)

or

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/einstein/einstein.pdf

which goes into a bit about what you actually wrote (space-time curvature). Sorry in advance if the links are too advanced :(.
 

Related to How was the value of the spacetime curvature obtained?

1. How was the concept of spacetime curvature first introduced?

The concept of spacetime curvature was first introduced by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity in 1915. Einstein proposed that gravity is not a force between masses, but rather a curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy.

2. How was the value of spacetime curvature obtained?

The value of spacetime curvature is obtained through mathematical equations derived from Einstein's field equations in general relativity. These equations describe the relationship between the curvature of spacetime and the distribution of matter and energy in the universe.

3. What evidence supports the existence of spacetime curvature?

There is a significant amount of evidence that supports the existence of spacetime curvature. One of the most well-known examples is the bending of light around massive objects, such as stars, which can only be explained by the curvature of spacetime. Other evidence includes the observed orbits of planets, gravitational lensing, and the cosmic microwave background radiation.

4. Can the value of spacetime curvature change?

According to general relativity, the value of spacetime curvature is determined by the distribution of mass and energy in the universe. Therefore, it can change if there are changes in the distribution of these factors. However, the overall curvature of spacetime is believed to be constant in our universe.

5. How does the value of spacetime curvature affect the behavior of matter and energy?

The value of spacetime curvature affects the behavior of matter and energy by determining the path that objects will follow in the presence of gravity. The greater the curvature, the more significant the impact on the motion of objects. This is why massive objects, such as black holes, have a strong gravitational pull due to their intense spacetime curvature.

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