Spacetime Curvature Difference: Gravity vs Speed

In summary, gravity causes spacetime to warp, while relative speed causes an apparent warp from the point of view of a stationary observer. This warp due to relative speed can cause objects like rods and protons to appear differently shaped and sized. However, in a gravity well, such as the center of a massive star or in empty space, objects such as protons maintain their spherical shape and size. The spacetime curvature is different in these two scenarios, as special relativistic effects are not caused by warping or curving spacetime, but rather the use of different coordinates to describe events in flat, uncurved spacetime.
  • #1
Gerinski
323
15
Gravity causes spacetime to warp. Relative speed also causes an apparent warp from the point of view of the stationary observer.

But warp due to relative speed will cause rods to contract, rods will effectively measure shorter for the stationary observer. Accordingly we should also infer that something like a proton, which we assume to be roughly spherical, will appear as a vertically elongated shape, something like a banana, when subject to relative speed warp.

Warp due to a gravity well does not do that, a proton size and shape is the same in the center of a massive star or floating in the empty vacuum, always roughly spherical and the same size.

In which way is the spacetime curvature different when due to relative speed differences or when due to gravity wells?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Gerinski said:
In which way is the spacetime curvature different when due to relative speed differences or when due to gravity wells?
There is no spacetime curvature due to relative speed differences.
 
  • #3
There is no spacetime curvature caused by speed. Special relativistic effects such as length contraction and time dilation are not caused by warping or curving spacetime, they're just using different coordinates to describe something that's happening in flat uncurved spacetime.
 

Related to Spacetime Curvature Difference: Gravity vs Speed

1. What is spacetime curvature difference?

Spacetime curvature difference refers to the varying levels of curvature in the fabric of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. This curvature is what we experience as gravity.

2. How does gravity differ from speed in terms of spacetime curvature?

Gravity and speed affect spacetime curvature differently. While gravity is caused by the presence of mass and leads to a bending or warping of spacetime, speed has no effect on the curvature of spacetime. However, speed can affect the perception of time and space for an object in motion.

3. Does the difference in spacetime curvature between gravity and speed have any practical implications?

Yes, the difference in spacetime curvature between gravity and speed has significant practical implications, especially in the realm of space travel. The curvature of spacetime caused by gravity can affect the trajectory and speed of objects in space, while the effects of speed on spacetime can impact the passage of time and the measurements of distances for objects in motion.

4. Can spacetime curvature difference explain the concept of time dilation?

Yes, the difference in spacetime curvature plays a crucial role in the concept of time dilation. As an object moves at high speeds, its curvature of spacetime changes, leading to a difference in the perception of time for that object compared to a stationary observer. This phenomenon is known as time dilation.

5. Is there a relationship between the strength of gravity and the difference in spacetime curvature?

Yes, there is a strong relationship between the strength of gravity and the difference in spacetime curvature. The greater the mass of an object, the stronger its gravitational pull, leading to a more significant curvature in the fabric of spacetime. This difference in curvature can also vary depending on the distance between two objects and their relative speeds.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
544
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
898
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
41
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
30
Views
753
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
52
Views
5K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
49
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
1K
Back
Top