Work

Energy in Newtonian Gravity

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: In Newtonian gravity it is a moot question whether energy should be localized in the field or inside matter. An argument from relativity suggests a compromise in which the contribution from the field in vacuum is positive definite. We show that the same compromise is implied by Noether’s theorem applied to a variational principle for perfect fluids, if we assume Dirichlet boundary conditions on the potential. We then analyse a thought experiment due to Bondi and McCrea that gives a clean example of inductive energy transfer by gravity. Some history of the problem is included.

Source: Foundations of Physics

DOI: 10.1007/s10701-022-00660-z

Authors: Ingemar Bengtsson, Tobias Eklund

Institutions: Stockholm University, AlbaNova, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Language: English

Topic: Relativity and Gravitational Theory

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,280

Funder: Stockholms Universitet