Question

Assuming an object is free of a gravitational field and following its geodesic. Applying a force would be changing the 4 vector momentum of the object relative to the frame the object was in before the force. What is pushing back on the force to resist that change? The object's relative time will change and relative energy. Can the force pushing back be thought of as a pressure exerted by changing the object relative time in addition to changing relative kinetic energy? The object has mass and the mass is affecting spacetime locally, can the resistance be thought of as some kind of stiffness or resistance to change in the local spacetime?

A) No, there is no resistance to changes in local spacetime due to applied force.
B) Yes, the resistance is due to an alteration in relative kinetic energy solely.
C) Yes, the resistance can be likened to a pressure exerted by changes in relative time and kinetic energy.
D) Yes, the resistance can be understood as a stiffness or resistance to changes in local spacetime caused by the mass of the object.

Answer 1

The resistance to an applied force on an object is due to the object's inertia, not any resistance of local spacetime. Relative changes in time and energy are consequences of motion but do not constitute a force resisting the applied force.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an object free of a gravitational field follows its geodesic and a force is applied to it, this force changes the object's four-vector momentum. The resistance we typically encounter when applying force is not due to any 'stiffness' or resistance of spacetime itself; rather, it is due to the inertia of the object, which is an intrinsic property of matter that resists changes in its state of motion.

The concepts of relative time (or time dilation) and energy come into play from a relativistic standpoint when dealing with changing velocities at speeds close to the speed of light. However, these do not constitute a resistance to the applied force; they are consequences of the object's motion when observed from different frames of reference.

Therefore, considering the options provided, the correct response would be 'A) No, there is no resistance to changes in local spacetime due to applied force.' Any resistance to force is a manifestation of the object's mass and inertia, not a resistance of spacetime to being altered.