What is the fabric of spacetime?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of space-time and how it relates to measurements of space and time. The "fabric" part of space-time is simply an analogy and has no physical reality. The mathematical entity that describes space-time is the metric, which allows for calculations of lengths and time intervals. This phrase is often used in pop-science discussions but has no real meaning.
  • #1
DLeuPel
56
2
The question is in the title. Nothing more to add.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
The "Fabric" part of the fabric of space-time is just an analogy. Space-time simply says that we have space, where we measure distances with rulers, and time, which we measure with clocks.

Before relativity, we thought space and time were separate phenomenon, but after relativity, it became clear that space and time were closely related and should be regarded as a unified entity.

The "fabric" part of space-time is typically used in other analogies, typically related to cosmology and the expanding universe, which is compared in the analogy to a balloon being inflated.

The mathematical entity that describes space-time is the metric. The metric allows us to calculate lengths and time intervals, as long as we specify a curve along which the appropriate length or time is to be measured.
 
  • #4
DLeuPel said:
What is the fabric of space-time?
It's a meaningless phrase found in almost all pop-science discussion of space-time. It has no physical reality but as pervect said, it's used in analogies.
 
  • #5
The OP question has been addressed. Thread closed.
 

FAQ: What is the fabric of spacetime?

1. What is spacetime made of?

The fabric of spacetime is not made of any physical material or substance. It is a concept that describes the four dimensions (length, width, height, and time) that make up the universe.

2. How is the fabric of spacetime related to gravity?

The fabric of spacetime is closely related to gravity. According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, massive objects such as planets and stars create a curvature in the fabric of spacetime, which is what we experience as gravity.

3. Is the fabric of spacetime a physical entity or just a mathematical concept?

The fabric of spacetime is a mathematical concept that is used to describe the structure of the universe. However, it is also a physical entity in the sense that it can be affected by the presence of mass and energy.

4. Can the fabric of spacetime be stretched or distorted?

Yes, the fabric of spacetime can be stretched or distorted by the presence of massive objects. This is what causes the effects of gravity, as well as phenomena such as gravitational lensing.

5. How does the fabric of spacetime affect the behavior of light?

The fabric of spacetime affects the behavior of light by causing it to follow a curved path when passing through regions with a strong gravitational pull. This is known as gravitational lensing and has been observed in numerous astronomical phenomena.

Similar threads

I Is Spacetime a Real Physical Entity or Merely a Conceptual Framework in Physics?
Replies
4
Views
456
B Can We Use Space/Time Fabric to See the Past?
Replies
5
Views
626
B Does Space Recover or Oscillate After Being Distorted by Massive Objects?
Replies
3
Views
639
I Physical meaning of null spacetime interval
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
B Exploring Mass, Gravity & SpaceTime: Ask for Expertise Here
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Exploring Spacetime in Black Holes
Replies
11
Views
2K
B Can We Stop Gravity? Exploring the Possibility
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Theoretically, can perfectly flat spacetime exist in the Universe?
Replies
28
Views
1K
I Gravitational Waves from Vanishing Sun: What Happens?
Replies
4
Views
2K
B How do space and time fuse together to form “spacetime?”
2
Replies
37
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top