Exploring Stephen Hawking's Theory on Time & Mass

In summary, Stephen Hawkins explains that mass causes distortions to space-time, which is known as gravity. This can be observed in extreme cases such as near a black hole, or in less extreme cases like with the Global Positioning System. The question of "why" this happens is a postulate and an empirical observation, and cannot be fully answered by any theory of physics.
  • #1
ashishsinghal
462
0
In Stephen Hawkins videos he told that time was affected by mass. Why would that be? Can anyone tell?
 
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  • #2
Mass causes distortions to space-time, that's what we experience / refer-to as 'gravity.' For example, for an outside observer, time is greater slowed down near the event horizon of a black-hole.
In a less extreme case, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is able to detect the effects of Earth's gravity---slowing down the rate of time near the surface of the earth.
 
  • #3
zhermes said:
Mass causes distortions to space-time, that's what we experience / refer-to as 'gravity.'

Here is the next question: Why on TIME?
 
  • #4
Not only on time: it affects space AND time.
Why are you asking "Why on TIME" but not asking "Why on space"?
 
  • #5
because my doubt was related to time.
But if you wish I will rephrase my question:
Why on space and time?
 
  • #6
ashishsinghal said:
Why on TIME?

ashishsinghal said:
Why on space and time?

In general relativity, space-time is essentially one thing. Space-time is also the medium in which mass acts... I don't think anyone can answer your question of 'why,' I don't think there is an answer.
 
  • #7
you mean it is a postulate.
 
  • #8
ashishsinghal said:
you mean it is a postulate.
It's also an empirical observation of a relationship between the mass/energy distribution in a region and proper time (time as measured by a clock) for a worldline in that region. No theory of physics can ever really tell you "why" a given equation correctly describes the relationship between different quantities, it's just the business of physicists to find what the most accurate equations describing these relationships are.
 

FAQ: Exploring Stephen Hawking's Theory on Time & Mass

What is Stephen Hawking's theory on time and mass?

Stephen Hawking's theory states that time and mass are interconnected and affect each other through the curvature of space-time. This means that the more mass an object has, the more it curves the fabric of space-time, which in turn affects the flow of time.

How does Stephen Hawking's theory differ from Einstein's theory of relativity?

Hawking's theory builds upon Einstein's theory of relativity by introducing the concept of imaginary time, which allows for the possibility of time travel and a beginning of time at the Big Bang. Einstein's theory only accounts for the flow of time in the presence of mass or energy.

What evidence supports Stephen Hawking's theory?

One of the main pieces of evidence is the observed phenomenon of time dilation, where time passes slower in the presence of strong gravitational fields. This is consistent with Hawking's theory that mass affects the curvature of space-time and therefore the flow of time.

How has Stephen Hawking's theory influenced the study of black holes?

Hawking's theory has greatly influenced the study of black holes by providing insights into the nature of space and time at the event horizon, the boundary where the gravitational pull of a black hole becomes too strong for even light to escape. It also introduced the concept of Hawking radiation, which explains how black holes can emit particles and eventually evaporate over time.

What are some criticisms of Stephen Hawking's theory on time and mass?

Some critics argue that Hawking's theory is difficult to test and lacks mathematical proof. Others point out that it does not fully reconcile with other theories such as quantum mechanics. Additionally, the concept of imaginary time is still a topic of debate among scientists and has not been fully accepted in the scientific community.

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