Difference between revisions 3700239 and 3703059 on simplewiki

[[File:GPB circling earth.jpg|thumb|300px|An illustration of the space-time curvature caused by Earth.]]

'''Spacetime''' is any scientific model that merges the three-dimensions of [[space]] and one dimension of [[time]] into a single construct. The concept of spacetime was introduced by [[Albert Einstein]]
in his [[General Theory of Relativity]]. It is accepted as the cause of [[gravity]].

== Spacetime Curvature and Gravity ==

===== The Curvature of Spacetime =====
Spacetime can be thought of as a flexible rubber sheet that can be bent, or ''warped''. When heavy objects (like the [[Sun]], the [[Earth]], or other heavenly bodies) are put on spacetime, they cause a curve in the smooth sheet of spacetime. 

===== Gravity as Curved Spacetime =====
When spacetime is curved, it causes a pull on the sheet, and therefore causes smaller objects to be drawn near it. Take, for example, an ant on a rubber sheet. If the sheet is smooth, the ant walks in a straight line. But if a bowling ball is dropped beside the ant, the sheet will be warped, and the ant's naturally straight path will be distorted to orbit around the bowling ball. This is the explanation of gravity presented by Einstein. 

== Spacetime and Quantum Theory ==
When we try to combine spacetime with [[Quantum Mechanics]], we find some ''big'' disagreements. Mainly, spacetime makes everything as if it were a smooth, continuous flow; Quantum Theory says that everything is discrete and tiny, like packets. (Atoms, photons, etc.)

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