Why Gravity is NOT a Force

Recent questions

• What is weightlessness in space?

  Weightlessness in space occurs when objects are in deep space away from large masses, experiencing no gravitational force. They remain stationary or move uniformly due to the absence of gravitational pull. This phenomenon is a result of following straight line paths through curved spacetime, where objects appear to be weightless as they travel on geodesics, straight line paths through the curvature of spacetime around massive objects.

• How does general relativity explain gravity?

  General relativity explains gravity as not a force but rather an illusion caused by the curvature of spacetime around massive objects. Objects in deep space follow straight line paths through spacetime, appearing to accelerate due to the curvature. This acceleration is necessary to counteract the curvature, making it seem like objects are accelerating even when stationary. The theory also states that all objects fall at the same rate, as they follow straight paths through spacetime.

• What is Einstein's equivalence principle?

  Einstein's equivalence principle states that a falling man and an observer in deep space are in equivalent situations. This principle highlights the idea that in curved spacetime, objects follow straight paths that appear curved due to the curvature of spacetime around massive objects. It emphasizes the equivalence between the experience of weightlessness in deep space and the sensation of falling in a gravitational field.

• How did Einstein's theory of relativity get confirmed?

  An experiment during a solar eclipse in 1919 confirmed Einstein's prediction of light bending near massive objects, supporting his theory of general relativity. This experiment provided empirical evidence for the concept of curved spacetime and the curvature of light around massive objects. By observing the bending of light during the eclipse, scientists were able to validate Einstein's groundbreaking theory.

• Why do astronauts feel weightless in space?

  Astronauts feel weightless in space because they are traveling on geodesics, which are straight line paths through curved spacetime. In deep space, away from large masses, objects experience weightlessness and remain stationary or move uniformly. This weightlessness is a result of following straight line paths through the curvature of spacetime around massive objects, causing astronauts to feel as though they are floating and not experiencing the effects of gravity.