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Imagine a universe consisting of only two point masses, neither of which are in motion. Would they be drawn towards each other? Does there need to be motion for the curvature of spacetime to affect them?

User Ozan Sen
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Final answer:

In a universe consisting of two point masses not in motion, they would still be drawn towards each other due to the curvature of spacetime caused by their mass. Motion is a response to the curved space-time created by mass, and there does not need to be motion for the curvature of spacetime to affect them.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the general theory of relativity, the presence of mass distorts or curves space and time. In a universe consisting of only two point masses, neither of which is in motion, they would still be drawn towards each other because of the curvature of spacetime caused by their mass.

There does not need to be motion for the curvature of spacetime to affect them. The motion of any mass is simply a response to the curved space-time created by the presence of mass or energy. The curved space-time causes objects to follow a curved path and be drawn towards each other.

For example, if we consider two point masses in a two-dimensional representation, one mass would orbit the other in response to the distorted space created by the larger mass. This representation helps visualize the concept of curved space-time, but in reality, it is a distortion in our three-dimensional space and time.

User Robin Krahl
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