Clarifying possible misconceptions in the foundations of general relativity

TL;DR

This paper examines foundational misconceptions in general relativity, clarifying issues related to the equivalence principle, gravitational redshift, and the nature of gravity versus inertia.

Contribution

It identifies and clarifies three common misconceptions in the foundations of general relativity, enhancing conceptual understanding of key principles.

Findings

Clarifies the interpretation of the weak equivalence principle.

Explains the link between gravitational redshift and spacetime curvature.

Discusses the limitations of transforming away gravity in local inertial frames.

Abstract

We discuss what we take to be three possible misconceptions in the foundations of general relativity, relating to: (a) the interpretation of the weak equivalence principle and the relationship between gravity and inertia; (b) the connection between gravitational redshift results and spacetime curvature; and (c) the Einstein equivalence principle and the ability to "transform away" gravity in local inertial coordinate systems.