Abstract

It is not common knowledge that the origins of General Relativity are embedded in Newton’s laws of motion. The key concept is weightlessness: a property unique to inertial frames. We discuss common phenomena where effects of inertial and non-inertial frames can be distinguished. An apparatus is described that demonstrates the difference between inertial and non-inertial frames. Classical experiments of Galileo are analyzed and re-interpreted in a way that exposes the role of accelerating frames in his experiments. We cite experimental and theoretical evidence which distinguishes between gravity and acceleration. We emphasize the connection between gravity and acceleration, to the geometry of space time. The link between weightlessness and force is emphasized. An interpretation of force is presented that is consistent both in Newton’s laws as well as General Relativity. We demonstrate the validity of gravitation, not as a force but as an outcome of geometry.

Keywords

space time, Newton’s laws, gravity, spacecraft, acceleration