Previously to Einstein’s theory of Gravity was Newtonian Gravity, which worked perfectly for most instances. According to Newtonian gravity, the strength of gravity depends on the distance between two objects. Einstein found fault with this particular idea since according to his theory of relativity, the distance between any two objects changes based on an observer’s reference frame. Thus, Einstein set force to develop a gravitational theory cohesive with his special relativity. Einstein concluded after years of work on “General Relativity” that gravity is the result of a curvature in a four-dimensional fabric that makes up our universe called spacetime. Space and time are not the distinct and absolute qualities we perceive them to be, according to Einstein. Rather, “Three-Dimensional Space” and “Time” actually exist as a single continuum of four-dimensional spacetime. Mass can actually curve this fabric of spacetime, similar to the way a heavy ball would pull down the center of a trampoline it was sitting on. If you were to roll a little ball on the trampoline with the heavy ball in the center, the little ball would be drawn toward the bigger ball would rotate around it in a circle. Normally, the little ball would follow a straight line, but the larger ball in the middle distorts the surface of the trampoline, and thus the path of other objects on it. This is analogous to gravity for us, but the earth replaces the big ball and the objects on and surrounding the earth replace the smaller ball. The earth warps spacetime and this causes the inward pull of gravity that we experience on earth.
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