Like, suppose we lived in the vacuum of space. We float along at a uniform velocity until OMG a planet! All of a sudden the velocity is like FYOOM and SHWEE we go towards the source of the gravity. Is this because time speeds up around the larger objects? And if there is no gravity, there is no "time"?
ARGH MY HEAD HURTS!!!
2006-10-01 03:22:59 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
No. Gravity, according to general relativity, is the bending of space-time. Objects, without any other external force, always goes straight. It is the bending of space-time that curves its trajectory.
Time does not speed up. When you gain speed falling into a planet, start, or black hole, your time goes slower from the view point of an outsider. From your own view point, the speed of time does not change.
2006-10-01 03:30:43 · answer #1 · answered by muon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, gravity is distortion in the space-time continuum by masses of planets and stars. They warp the fabric, so that you move toward the massive object. It's like putting a bowling ball on a mattress. Drop marbles near the ball, and they roll down the depression created by the ball to touch it.
2006-10-01 04:09:49 · answer #2 · answered by miyuki & kyojin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. But, you're right, gravity speeds up time. Now...
Right now, we're actually moving at 99% the speed of light.
(Please pick your jaw up from the floor.)
Think about it! The Earth is spinning on its own axis, and revolving around the Sun, which in turn is revolving around the center of the Milky way, whch is moving away from the center of the Universe at about 99% the speed of light. So, what I'm saying is, time would go MUCH faster if we were at the center of the Universe.
2006-10-01 04:17:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, time actually slows down very slightly in strong gravity. But that effect is so small for most situations it can be neglected. Gravity is technically a 'curvature' of spacetime. To say that there is no gravity is to say there is no curvature, so spacetime if 'flat'.
2006-10-01 03:58:36 · answer #4 · answered by mathematician 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravity is not time. It is an attraction between 2 masses. Time has nothing to do with it.
2006-10-01 05:08:26 · answer #5 · answered by Dr M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
gravity is the pull of something. planets have a lot more pull than just floating out in space.
2006-10-01 03:31:13 · answer #6 · answered by Zori 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, gravity is a force.
2006-10-01 03:25:37 · answer #7 · answered by wheezer_april_4th_1966 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so.
2006-10-01 05:05:18 · answer #8 · answered by Eric H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋