Cooperstock's Energy Localization Hypothesis
Encyclopedia
In physics
, the Cooperstock's energy-localization hypothesis is a hypothesis
proposed by Fred Cooperstock that in general relativity
, energy only exists in regions of non-vanishing energy–momentum tensor.
Since the creation of general relativity there have been questions about the energy of gravitational fields. Among the proposals for the energy are the Landau–Lifshitz pseudotensor, Einstein pseudotensor, and the Moller energy.
In Misner, Thorne & Wheeler the authors claimed that energy can only be localized for spherical systems, which Cooperstock & Sarracino demonstrated implies that energy must be localized for all systems, while Bondi
argued that non-localizable energy is not allowed in general relativity.
The energy localization hypothesis has also been proven for a number of specific examples (see for example Ref ), but has not been proven or disproven in general.
Feynman's sticky bead argument
shows that energy is transported by gravitational wave
s, which is difficult to make compatible with the Cooperstock's hypothesis.
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, the Cooperstock's energy-localization hypothesis is a hypothesis
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. The term derives from the Greek, ὑποτιθέναι – hypotithenai meaning "to put under" or "to suppose". For a hypothesis to be put forward as a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it...
proposed by Fred Cooperstock that in general relativity
General relativity
General relativity or the general theory of relativity is the geometric theory of gravitation published by Albert Einstein in 1916. It is the current description of gravitation in modern physics...
, energy only exists in regions of non-vanishing energy–momentum tensor.
Since the creation of general relativity there have been questions about the energy of gravitational fields. Among the proposals for the energy are the Landau–Lifshitz pseudotensor, Einstein pseudotensor, and the Moller energy.
In Misner, Thorne & Wheeler the authors claimed that energy can only be localized for spherical systems, which Cooperstock & Sarracino demonstrated implies that energy must be localized for all systems, while Bondi
Hermann Bondi
Sir Hermann Bondi, KCB, FRS was an Anglo-Austrian mathematician and cosmologist. He is best known for developing the steady-state theory of the universe with Fred Hoyle and Thomas Gold as an alternative to the Big Bang theory, but his most lasting legacy will probably be his important...
argued that non-localizable energy is not allowed in general relativity.
The energy localization hypothesis has also been proven for a number of specific examples (see for example Ref ), but has not been proven or disproven in general.
Feynman's sticky bead argument
Sticky bead argument
In general relativity, the sticky bead argument is a simple thought experiment designed to show that gravitational radiation is indeed predicted by general relativity, and can have physical effects...
shows that energy is transported by gravitational wave
Gravitational wave
In physics, gravitational waves are theoretical ripples in the curvature of spacetime which propagates as a wave, traveling outward from the source. Predicted to exist by Albert Einstein in 1916 on the basis of his theory of general relativity, gravitational waves theoretically transport energy as...
s, which is difficult to make compatible with the Cooperstock's hypothesis.