Newtonian Gravity vs Post-Newtonian Approximation

Developers should learn Newtonian gravity when working on physics simulations, game development (e meets developers and researchers in computational physics, astrophysics, or gravitational wave astronomy should learn this to simulate and analyze relativistic gravitational systems where full numerical relativity is computationally expensive. Here's our take.

Newtonian Gravity

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Newtonian gravity when working on physics simulations, game development (e

Pros

• g
• Related to: classical-mechanics, physics-simulation

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Post-Newtonian Approximation

Developers and researchers in computational physics, astrophysics, or gravitational wave astronomy should learn this to simulate and analyze relativistic gravitational systems where full numerical relativity is computationally expensive

Pros

• It is used in gravitational waveform modeling for LIGO/Virgo detectors, precision tests of general relativity, and orbital dynamics of compact objects
• Related to: general-relativity, gravitational-waves

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Newtonian Gravity if: You want g and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Post-Newtonian Approximation if: You prioritize it is used in gravitational waveform modeling for ligo/virgo detectors, precision tests of general relativity, and orbital dynamics of compact objects over what Newtonian Gravity offers.

The Bottom Line

Newtonian Gravity wins

Developers should learn Newtonian gravity when working on physics simulations, game development (e