What is the rubber sheet analogy?

The rubber sheet analogy described below is a way to visualize the effect mass has on the curvature of spacetime. Imagine a rubber sheet stretched out. Then, visualize placing a bowling ball on the sheet. The material around the bowling ball is stressed and deforms to the presence of the mass.

What does the curvature of spacetime represent?

The curvature of spacetime influences the motion of massive bodies within it; in turn, as massive bodies move in spacetime, the curvature changes and the geometry of spacetime is in constant evolution. Gravity then provides a description of the dynamic interaction between matter and spacetime.

What is the main idea behind Einstein’s theory of general relativity group of answer choices?

What is general relativity? Essentially, it’s a theory of gravity. The basic idea is that instead of being an invisible force that attracts objects to one another, gravity is a curving or warping of space. The more massive an object, the more it warps the space around it.

Is spacetime a sheet?

A popular way of envisaging space-time is as a stretchy rubber sheet that deforms when a mass is placed on it, with the varying curvature analogous to the warping of space-time by gravity. …

How does the concept of curved space-time arise in 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.

What part of Einstein’s theory can help explain the expansion of the universe?

General relativity lets us calculate and predict exactly how anything with mass will warp spacetime, and how the gravity caused by that warped spacetime will affect not just the matter, but the space, time and light around it.

Why did Einstein come up with the theory of relativity?

Early investigations. As Einstein later said, the reason for the development of general relativity was the preference of inertial motion within special relativity, while a theory which from the outset prefers no particular state of motion appeared more satisfactory to him.

Why is space-time a fabric?

Space-time can be thought of as a ‘fabric’ in which the objects of the Universe are embedded. Those objects – stars, planets, black holes – make space-time curve in upon itself, just as an elastic fabric holding a ball would do. The more massive the object, the deeper the curve – the same as in a fabric!