Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Scientific paper
2012-04-02
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
22 pages, 5 figures
Scientific paper
Within the theory of general relativity gravitational phenomena are usually attributed to the curvature of four-dimensional spacetime. In this context we are often confronted with the question of how the concept of ordinary physical three-dimensional space fits into this picture. In this work we present a simple and intuitive model of space for both the Schwarzschild spacetime and the de Sitter spacetime in which physical space is defined as a specified set of freely moving reference particles. Using a combination of orthonormal basis fields and the usual formalism in a coordinate basis we calculate the physical velocity field of these reference particles. Thus we obtain a vivid description of space in which space behaves like a river flowing radially toward the singularity in the Schwarzschild spacetime and radially toward infinity in the de Sitter spacetime. We also consider the effect of the river of space upon light rays and material particles and show that the river model of space provides an intuitive explanation for the behavior of light and particles at and beyond the event horizons associated with these spacetimes.
Braeck S.
Gron Oyvind
No associations
LandOfFree
A river model of space does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A river model of space, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A river model of space will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-509804