Relativity explains how gravity affects the fabric of spacetime from "summary" of The World of Physics 2nd Edition by John Avison
We can understand the way gravity influences the structure of spacetime through the theory of relativity. According to this theory, developed by Albert Einstein, gravity is not just a force acting between objects as Newton proposed, but rather a curvature in the fabric of spacetime itself. Imagine spacetime as a flexible, four-dimensional fabric that can be warped and distorted by massive objects like planets and stars. This warping of spacetime is what we experience as gravity. Objects with mass cause spacetime to curve around them, much like placing a heavy ball on a stretched rubber sheet.
As a result of this curvature, objects moving through spacetime will follow curved paths, which we perceive as the force of gravity pulling them towards massive bodies. This concept explains why planets orbit around stars and why light bends when passing close to massive objects like black holes.
The theory of relativity also predicts that time itself can be affected by gravity. Clocks closer to massive bodies will tick more slowly than clocks further away, a phenomenon known as time dilation. This has been confirmed by experiments and observations, such as the slowing down of time on GPS satellites compared to clocks on Earth's surface.
In summary, relativity provides a deep understanding of how gravity shapes the very fabric of spacetime. By considering gravity as a curvature in this fabric, we can explain phenomena such as planetary orbits, gravitational lensing, and time dilation with remarkable accuracy. This elegant theory has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and continues to inspire new discoveries in the field of physics.
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