In simple terms, the idea that time dilation may be what causes gravity is a hypothesis that arises from the theory of general relativity. According to this theory, gravity is not seen as a force but rather as the curvature of spacetime caused by massive objects.
In general relativity, mass and energy warp the fabric of spacetime, creating a curved environment. When an object, like the Earth or the Sun, is present, it causes spacetime to be curved around it. Think of it like placing a heavy ball on a stretched rubber sheet— it creates a dip or curvature in the sheet.
Now, when something moves in this curved spacetime, such as a planet or a satellite, it follows the curvature and takes what appears to be a curved path. This curved motion is what we perceive as the effect of gravity.
So, how does time dilation relate to this? Well, in the presence of a massive object, not only is space curved but time also gets affected. This means that time itself is experienced differently in regions with different gravitational potentials.
Here's the key insight: When we say time dilation occurs in a gravitational field, it means that clocks closer to a massive object (where the gravitational potential is stronger) run slower compared to clocks in weaker gravitational fields.
Now, going back to the connection between time dilation and gravity, the idea is that the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy is what leads to both the observed time dilation and the effects we perceive as gravity. In this sense, the presence of mass and the resulting curvature of spacetime cause both time dilation and the gravitational effects we experience.
It's important to note that this is a simplified explanation, as the full details of the relationship between gravity and time dilation are quite complex and require a deeper understanding of general relativity. The precise nature of this connection is an ongoing subject of scientific research and exploration.