How does general relativity explain gravity?

GETTING A GRIP ON GRAVITY Einstein’s general theory of relativity explains gravity as a distortion of space (or more precisely, spacetime) caused by the presence of matter or energy. A massive object generates a gravitational field by warping the geometry of the surrounding spacetime.

What are the predictions of general theory of relativity?

General relativity predicts that the path of light will follow the curvature of spacetime as it passes near a star. This effect was initially confirmed by observing the light of stars or distant quasars being deflected as it passes the Sun.

How can you explain the consequences of the postulates of general relativity?

Mass distorts spacetime, causing it to curve. Gravity can be described as motion caused in curved spacetime . Thus, the primary result from general relativity is that gravitation is a purely geometric consequence of the properties of spacetime.

Why do scientists describe the theory of gravity as ʺincompleteʺ quizlet?

Why do scientists describe the theory of gravity as “incomplete”? It does not incorporate a description of matter on a very small scale. where the current understanding of gravity is incomplete. the unseen companion in the system must have a sufficiently high mass.

What are the basic observations about the universe that any theory of cosmology must explain?

The basic universe observations that any cosmology theory must explain are: Universe expansion- It was observed by Doppler who stated that, the light arriving from the farther galaxies are red shifted. So, it is possible only if the galaxy is moving far away from the eye of the observer.

What is the spacetime interval in special relativity?

But special relativity provides a new invariant, called the spacetime interval, which combines distances in space and in time. All observers who measure the time and distance between any two events will end up computing the same spacetime interval.

What is space-time and why does it matter?

According to the best of current physical theories, space-time explains the unusual relativistic effects that arise from traveling near the speed of light as well as the motion of massive objects in the universe.

What is the importance of general relativity in physics?

General relativity also provides an explanation of how gravitational fields can slow the passage of time for an object as seen by an observer outside the field. In ordinary space, a position is specified by three numbers, known as dimensions. In the Cartesian coordinate system, these are called x, y, and z.

What did Einstein say about time and space?

More than 100 years ago, a famous scientist named Albert Einstein came up with an idea about how time works. He called it relativity. This theory says that time and space are linked together. Einstein also said our universe has a speed limit: nothing can travel faster than the speed of light (186,000 miles per second).