what is meant by space time curvature?

Answer 1

Let's consider space first, since it's easiest to imagine. Space "curves" around massive objects. This is hard to imagine in 3 dimensions, so lets consider only 2 at first. Imagine a trampoline. The fabric trpresents the "fabric" of space. First roll a marble from one end of the trampolie to the other. Assuming your trampoline is level, it rolls in a straight line. Now place a heavy bowling ball in the middle of the trampoline. Notice how the fabric forms a bowl shape around the bowling ball. This is the curvature of space. Now roll your marble across the trampoline. Notice how it no longer goes in a straight line but curves around the bowling ball (assuming you gave it enough speed so as not to crash into the bowling ball). This effect of space curving around a massive object is what we observe every day as gravity.

Now "wait a minute" you say. Our 2 dimensional simulated space is deforming into the third dimension. Where does 3 dimensional space defrom into? It deforms into a fourth dimension! This is hard to picture since our senses are geared to observing in three dimensions, but we clearly see its effect.

Now what about time? Well time is simply another dimension. Time is also dependent on your speed. Specifically how close to the speed of light you are traveling. As a result, time "curves" around massive objects just like space!

Answer 2

Any thing that exists has mass therefore it warps space around it. The curvature would be the event horizon, or the point at which space starts to curve in, near the given mass. The depth or strength of the curve depends solely on the size and gravitational strength being exerted on the surrounding space.To illustrate this place a sphere onto a piece of plastic wrap and observe the effect when you hold the sheet up, see how the sphere distortes the sheet plastic.

Answer 3

Space has three dimensions, up/down, front/back, and left/right. Time is the fourth dimension. The curvature is formed when time (or space) moves. There is the law of inertia, (an object at rest, tends to stay at rest) when one dimension moves the other is affected by inertia and a three dimensional parabola is formed. It's Einstein's theory the faster you move the slower you age, that is the effect of the curvature.

I know, it's confusing, I'm still working on myself.

Answer 4

Just think of a giant picnic blanket (yes with the checkers and all) being held at the 4 corners and pulled very tightly. Now drop a bowling ball in the middle. What happens to the picnic blanket (the fabric of space/time) is the curvature. Throw a baseball in there and it will orbit around the bowling ball (the Earth around the sun) a few times.

Just a little bit of fun side information. Those cool coin collectors you usually see at malls, you know the ones that take your coins by swirling them around and around before going down the hole in the center, is like a black hole.

Answer 5

probably has to do with that Einstein garp and gravitational plane

Answer 6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacetime