In Einstein's theory of general relativity, the bending of space and time is described as the warping of the fabric of space-time itself due to the presence of mass and energy. The theory combines the concepts of space and time into a four-dimensional continuum called space-time, where massive objects like stars and planets curve the fabric of space-time around them.
The curvature of space-time caused by mass and energy determines the motion of objects within it. According to general relativity, objects move along the shortest path in space-time, which is known as a geodesic. The presence of mass and energy curves the space-time around it, causing the geodesics to deviate from what they would be in flat, non-curved space-time.
The bending of space and time due to mass, as described by general relativity, is essentially the same concept as the warping of space-time fabric. The term "warping" is often used to visualize the distortion of space-time caused by massive objects. Massive objects create a gravitational field, and other objects in the vicinity of this field follow curved paths within it.
The theory of general relativity provides a mathematical framework to describe these phenomena. It accurately predicts and explains various gravitational effects, such as the bending of light around massive objects, the time dilation near intense gravitational fields, and the behavior of celestial objects like black holes.
So, to summarize, the bending of space and time due to mass, as described by relativity, is synonymous with the warping of space-time fabric in Einstein's theory of general relativity. They both refer to the same concept of the curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass and energy.