FRAME DRAG Meaning and
Definition
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Frame drag, also known as drag of inertial frames, is a phenomenon in theoretical physics and astrophysics that arises due to the curvature of spacetime caused by massive rotating objects. It refers to the distortion of spacetime caused by the rotation of a massive body, which in turn affects the motion of nearby objects or particles.
According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, mass and energy curve the fabric of spacetime, creating what is commonly referred to as gravity. In the case of a rotating massive object, such as a spinning planet or a rotating black hole, the spacetime around it becomes twisted and dragged along its rotation axis.
As a result, the motion of objects or particles near the rotating body is influenced by this curvature and dragging of spacetime. This effect is known as frame drag or frame-dragging, as it drags or pulls the frames of reference of nearby objects, causing them to move differently than expected based on their own intrinsic motion.
Frame drag has important implications in understanding the behavior of celestial bodies and the motion of particles in the vicinity of rotating objects. It has been observed and measured in various astrophysical phenomena, such as the precession of the orbit of Mercury around the Sun and the motion of satellite orbits around the Earth.
In summary, frame drag refers to the distortion and dragging of the frames of reference caused by the rotation of a massive object, leading to a change in the motion of nearby objects or particles due to the curved spacetime.
Etymology of FRAME DRAG
The term "frame drag" originates from physics and more specifically from the theory of general relativity, which was developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century.
In general relativity, the concept of "frame" refers to a particular coordinate system or reference frame that is used to describe the motion and properties of objects or phenomena in space and time. It can be thought of as a set of axes or coordinates that we use to measure and explain physical quantities.
The term "drag" in this context refers to the idea that a rotating massive object, such as a planet or a black hole, can "drag" or influence the nearby space-time around it. This effect is known as the "dragging of inertial frames" and is a consequence of the curved spacetime predicted by general relativity.
