Planetary and Light Motions From Newtoinian Theory: An Amusing Exercise

TL;DR

This paper explores how Newtonian mechanics can be manipulated to approximate planetary and light motion equations of General Relativity, serving as an educational tool rather than an alternative theory.

Contribution

It demonstrates a formal method to derive relativistic-like equations from Newtonian physics, highlighting pedagogical insights into differential equations and relativity teaching.

Findings

Newtonian operations can approximate relativistic equations

The exercise aids understanding of Einstein's theory

Educational value in teaching differential equations and relativity

Abstract

We attempt to see how closely we can formally obtain the planetary and light path equations of General Relativity by employing certain operations on the familiar Newtonian equation. This article is intended neither as an alternative to nor as a tool for grasping Einstein's General Relativity. Though the exercise is understandable by readers at large, it is especially recommended to the teachers of Relativity for an appreciative understanding of its peculiarity as well as its pedagogical value in the teaching of differential equations.