freefall=no force?

[dstebbins]

Well, you say it's mostly math. Do you know the equation(s)?

[dstebbins]

Btw, I tried to look it up on wikipedia, but that does nothing except confuse me. What does all this gobbledegook mean? What's a stress-energy tensor? Wtf is a ricci tensor (it sounds like a guy's name)? A nice place to start is telling me what a tensor is in the first place, then tell me what all those weird names are.

 

EDIT: As frustrated as I may sound, I actually would have it no other way. I just figured I should throw that in so you don't become frustrated as well.

[wilgory]

dstebbins,

 

I am an interested enthusiast, not a cosmologist.The point I was trying to make about needing non-euclidean math was that it is nearly impossible to grasp this stuff visually. The best minds will find it very difficult, even with the math. I have only a basic understanding of the basic principles.

 

The only other advice I might give is try a google search for EINSTEIN THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS.

 

The wikipedia article Introduction to General Relativity is on an entry level. I remember seeing a website called "Relativity for Kids" or something like that. It may give you a more simplified version.

 

You may be looking for answers to questions that there are no simple answers for, or no answers at all.

[dstebbins]

dstebbins,

 

I am an interested enthusiast, not a cosmologist.The point I was trying to make about needing non-euclidean math was that it is nearly impossible to grasp this stuff visually. The best minds will find it very difficult, even with the math. I have only a basic understanding of the basic principles.

 

The only other advice I might give is try a google search for EINSTEIN THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS.

 

The wikipedia article Introduction to General Relativity is on an entry level. I remember seeing a website called "Relativity for Kids" or something like that. It may give you a more simplified version.

 

You may be looking for answers to questions that there are no simple answers for, or no answers at all.

 

It has to be understandable, otherwise it wouldn't be science, because the very definition of science is the understanding of the universe. The foundation of science is understanding.

[wilgory]

dstebbins,

 

Understandable does not mean that it is easy. The links I have provided, take you to the sites I found that helped me in my understanding. It did not happen immediately! If you follow the links on those sites you will find more than enough information.

 

Did you know, that on wikipedia, you can click on the colored words and you will be taken to the definitions or explanations of those words/phrases. There are also links to more sites at the end of the wiki articles.

 

I think maybe you should spend more time considering the information and not just say "I don't get it". General Relativity is counter-intuitive, you are going to have to change the way you think about the world. I have said it took me a long time. It may take you a long time as well. You may have to read the descriptions of the way mass warps space-time many times, and then spend a lot of time thinking about it. Surf the net for the Einstein thought experiments and STUDY THEM! It was some of the most interesting reading I have ever done.

 

After you have learned enough to ask some specific questions, post them and maybe someone on this forum will answer them. I will be glad to, if I can.

 

GOOD LUCK

 

Wilgory

[dstebbins]

dstebbins,

 

Understandable does not mean that it is easy. The links I have provided, take you to the sites I found that helped me in my understanding. It did not happen immediately! If you follow the links on those sites you will find more than enough information.

 

Well, I graduate from high school this Friday, and I'll have until August to read up on it. Thanks.

 

Did you know, that on wikipedia, you can click on the colored words and you will be taken to the definitions or explanations of those words/phrases. There are also links to more sites at the end of the wiki articles.

REALLY?! I thought those words took you to porn sites! :eek:

 

I think maybe you should spend more time considering the information and not just say "I don't get it". General Relativity is counter-intuitive, you are going to have to change the way you think about the world. I have said it took me a long time. It may take you a long time as well. You may have to read the descriptions of the way mass warps space-time many times, and then spend a lot of time thinking about it. Surf the net for the Einstein thought experiments and STUDY THEM! It was some of the most interesting reading I have ever done.

Sorry. I'm just used to understanding stuff right off the bat.