General Relativity
-The Fabric of Spacetime
Exploring Einstein’s Revolutionary Theory
Presented by, Presented To,
Sayed Efti (231709) Dr. Dayal Chandra Roy
Shahariar Hossain Tanvir (231734) Lecturer
Rukaiya Reza (231704) Department of Physics
Mst. Rezowana Islam (231706) Pabna University of Science And Technology
Habibur Rahman Sezan (231405)
Introduction
• General Relativity (GR) is Einstein’s theory
of gravity, published in 1915.
• It describes gravity not as a force but as
the curvature of spacetime.
• Revolutionized physics, explaining
planetary motion, black holes, and the
universe’s expansion.
Newtonian Gravity Vs General Relativity
Newtonian Gravity General Relativity
-Force acts instantaneously at a -Gravity is the result of curved
distance. spacetime.
- Describes gravity as a force - Explains phenomena like
between masses. Mercury's orbit and gravitational
lensing.
Spacetime
– What is Spacetime?
– A 4-dimensional continuum
combining space (3D) and
time (1D).
– Mass and energy curve
spacetime.
– Objects move along geodesics
(shortest paths) in curved
spacetime.
The Equivalence
Principle
One of Einstein’s key ideas:
Acceleration and gravitational
fields are indistinguishable.
Example: Free-falling objects
experience weightlessness.
Spacetime
Curvature
Mass and energy distort
spacetime.
Objects move along geodesics (the
shortest path in curved spacetime).
More mass = greater curvature =
stronger gravity.
Predictions 1.Gravitational Time Dilation:Time runs
of General slower in stronger gravitational fields.
Relativity 2.Light Bending:Light curves near massive
objects (gravitational lensing).
3.Mercury's Orbit:Explains the precession of
Mercury's perihelion.
4.Black Holes:Regions where spacetime
curvature becomes infinite.
Einstein’s Field Equations
– Describe how matter and
energy curve spacetime.
– Complex tensor equations
but conceptually show
gravity as a geometric
effect .
– Predicts time dilation,
gravitational lensing, and
black holes.
Time Dilation
in Gravity
– Clocks tick slower in
stronger gravitational
fields.
– Experiment: Atomic clocks
on airplanes vs. on Earth
confirm time dilation .
– Important for GPS
satellites to account for
time differences.
Gravitational Lensing
– Light bends around massive objects
due to curved spacetime.
– Observed in distant galaxies and used
to detect dark matter.
– First confirmed during a solar eclipse
in 1919.
Black Holes
– Regions where gravity is so
strong that not even light can
escape.
– Formed from collapsed massive
stars.
Event horizon: Point of no return.
– Predicted by GR and confirmed
through observations.
GPS Systems: Accounts for time dilation
effects to ensure accuracy.
Applications
of General Cosmology : Explains the expansion of
the universe and the Big Bang.
Relativity
Astrophysics : Studies black holes,
neutron stars, and gravitational lensing.
Tests of General Relativity
Eddington’s 1919
solar eclipse GPS technology
LIGO’s gravitational
experiment requires GR
wave detection.
(gravitational corrections .
lensing).
Implications & Modern Applications
Understanding black holes and neutron stars .
Crucial for satellite navigation (GPS).
Helps in understanding the universe’s structure and fate.
Challenges & How does GR fit with quantum
Open mechanics?
Questions
The nature of dark matter and dark
energy .
Is there a deeper theory beyond GR
(e.g., quantum gravity)?
General Relativity revolutionized our
understanding of the universe.
Conclusion Its predictions have been tested and
confirmed countless times.
Future discoveries may extend or modify
it, but its impact remains profound.
Thank You
Source:
-Einstein, A. (1907). "On the Relativity Principle and the Conclusions Drawn from It." Jahrbuch der
Radioaktivität und Elektronik.
-Schutz, B. F. (2009). A First Course in General Relativity. Cambridge University Press.
-Einstein, A. (1915). "The Field Equations of Gravitation." Preussische Akademie der Wissenschaften.
-Abbott, B. P., et al. (2016). "Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Merger."
Physical Review Letters.
-Chandrasekhar, S. (1983). The Mathematical Theory of Black Holes. Oxford University Press.
