Space-Time Simulator

Photos show the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin.

Concepts Conveyed:

• A visual and conceptual way to connect Newtonian gravity to Einstein's conception of space-time.

Instructions / Notes:

• It shows how matter tells space how to bend and how space tells matter how to move.
• To visualize Kepler's laws, toss a couple marbles to demonstrate a solar system with planetary motion.
• Model a gravitational slingshot by tossing a smaller marble onto the fabric and waiting a few seconds to toss a larger ball to alter the marble's pass and speed.
• Demonstrate doppler wobble by tossing two balls similar in mass and size.
• Use two smaller ball bearings to create a binary system and toss marbles to show co-rotation(this one rarely works but you can try!)

Last updated on July 25, 2024