gravity curved space geometry einstein general relativity

Gravity curved space geometry einstein general relativity how to#
Gravity curved space geometry einstein general relativity download#

Second, why does the marble roll down into the well? Because it is being accelerated by the Earth’s gravity and the force from the fabric (see Figure 3). The tautology can only lead to confusion! Illustration: () used under a Creative Commons license. We are explaining gravity using gravity.įigure 2 Explaining general relativity with a Newtonian description of gravity is basically explaining gravity with gravity. First, what causes the fabric to sag? The massive ball at the centre of the fabric is being pulled down, but by what? For many students this is a real confusion because gravity in the analogy is being caused by gravity outside the analogy. The bowling-ball-trampoline analogy has several problems, some of which are shown in the xkcd cartoon in Figure 2. While demonstrations like this are fun, we argue educators should not use them as models for general relativity. Some demonstrations found online such as this one have over 60 million views. A popular way to demonstrate general relativity is to have students roll marbles across a sheet that has been deformed by a mass. We are then told that the curvature of the sheet explains the deflection and therefore explains gravity in the general relativistic context. Typically, we roll marbles across the surface and watch how the fabric deflects the paths of the marbles. The trampoline is supposed to represent spacetime and the sagging the curvature of spacetime caused by the mass of the bowling ball. One of the most popular ways to demonstrate gravity in the context of general relativity is to show a trampoline (or sheet of fabric) sagging due to the presence of a heavy mass like a bowling ball (see Figure 1). Many misunderstandings about physics in general, and modern physics in particular, come from overextended or poorly chosen analogies. Without explicitly stating the limitations and boundaries of the analogy, the risk is that it is overextended, and misconceptions are introduced. A giraffe is like a horse in some ways, but it is different from a horse in many important ways. But analogies are also dangerous because they are inherently wrong. If you’ve never seen a giraffe, being told that it is like a long-necked horse is pretty helpful. We all use analogies ― they give our brains a break and make the unknown seem more familiar.

Gravity curved space geometry einstein general relativity how to#

We explain where the problems arise, and how to avoid these problems and still provide a strong visual model and deeper understanding of how general relativity works. In this article we argue that this analogy, as used, is fundamentally flawed and creates significant misunderstanding for both students and teachers. But there is a problem with this demonstration – it isn’t showing what it claims to show. A rolling marble on the surface follows a curved path, or “orbits” the central mass, giving convincing evidence of the parallel between the sheet and the action of gravity. The bending of the surface caused by the mass pulling the sheet down is used to illustrate the curvature of spacetime in general relativity. One common analogy used to introduce general relativity is the idea of a “mass on a rubber sheet” or “bowling ball on a trampoline”. While physicists can use the equations, even they need to use analogies to build a deep understanding of such counterintuitive concepts. That space and time can be mixed and curved is contradictory to all our everyday experiences. But what does the “curvature of spacetime” mean? It is hard to get your head around this mind-bending concept! In relativity, space and time are mixed together into “spacetime” and gravity is explained by the curved geometry of this combination. In developing general relativity, Einstein showed that gravity is the curvature of spacetime due to the presence of mass and energy. One of the most startling and remarkable discoveries of the 20 th century was that gravity is not a mysterious, invisible force.

Gravity curved space geometry einstein general relativity download#

To learn more about general relativity and black holes and find ready-to-use, hands-on activities you can do with your class, download the free resource here. The authors were inspired to write this article while they worked on Perimeter Institute’s new black hole resource together. Philip Freeman ( ), Teacher, sd38 (Richmond) Richmond, BC Kelly Foyle ( ), Outreach Scientist, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics