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Phrak
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Is general relativity REALLY generally covariant?
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General relativity is a theory of gravity that was developed by Albert Einstein. It explains how gravity works by describing it as the curvature of space and time caused by massive objects. General covariance means that the laws of physics in general relativity are the same for all observers, regardless of their frame of reference.
If general relativity was not generally covariant, it would mean that different observers would measure different physical laws, leading to contradictions and inconsistencies. This would make the theory less reliable and less accurate in describing the universe.
General covariance allows us to understand gravity as a geometric phenomenon, rather than a force between masses. This means that gravity is not a force that pulls objects towards each other, but rather the curvature of space and time caused by objects with mass.
Yes, there is a lot of evidence that supports general relativity's general covariance. One of the most famous pieces of evidence is the observation of the bending of starlight by the sun's gravitational field, which was predicted by general relativity.
While general covariance is a fundamental principle of general relativity, it only applies to systems that follow the laws of classical physics. It does not take into account the principles of quantum mechanics, which are necessary to understand the behavior of particles on a very small scale.