What causes attractions between masses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of gravitational attraction between masses, exploring the underlying causes and theories related to gravity. Participants delve into both classical and modern interpretations, including Einstein's theory of gravity and speculative ideas about particles and waves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that gravity is the cause of attraction between masses, while others seek to understand what causes gravity itself.
  • One participant notes that gravity is not a real force according to Einstein, but rather a curvature in space-time, with larger masses creating a bigger curve.
  • Another perspective suggests that more recent theories describe gravity in terms of particles and waves, mentioning gravitons as a potential cause of attraction.
  • There is speculation about the Higgs boson being related to gravity, although this remains uncertain.
  • A participant emphasizes that the question of how mass curves space-time remains unanswered, indicating a deeper inquiry into the nature of gravity.
  • Some participants express a sense of uncertainty and acknowledge that the quest for understanding gravity leads to further questions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the fundamental nature of gravity is not fully understood, and multiple competing views exist regarding its cause and explanation. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the underlying mechanisms of gravitational attraction.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in current understanding, including the dependence on various theoretical frameworks and the unresolved nature of how mass interacts with space-time.

parsa418
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What is it that exactly causes an attraction between two masses?
 
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parsa418 said:
What is it that exactly causes an attraction between two masses?

Gravity!
 
That is exactly my question. What causes gravity?
 
We do not know. It is one of the Big Questions along with Why does Jennifer Love Hewitt Jr. still get movie and TV roles?
 
Last edited:
According to Einstein gravity is not a real force. It's a curve in space-time. Larger the mass bigger the curve.
More-recent theories of gravity express the phenomenon in terms of particles and waves. One view states that particles called gravitons cause objects to be attracted to one another.
Still another theory speculates Higgs boson as the cause of gravity!
 
omerusta said:
According to Einstein gravity is not a real force. It's a curve in space-time. Larger the mass bigger the curve.
True (and props for pointing it out. We should have done this up front).

Though it does not fundamentally change the question. The question simply becomes 'how does mass curve spacetime'?

omerusta said:
More-recent theories of gravity express the phenomenon in terms of particles and waves. One view states that particles called gravitons cause objects to be attracted to one another.
I believe that these are equivalent; two theories describing the same phenomenon. It still doesn't answer the question though.
 
Unknown is the best and honest answer.
 
Thanks guys for replying. At least now I know I'm not the only one that doesn't know the answer. I guess I'll just wait until either I or someone else discovers the answer.
 
Just remember that answering one "why?" question always leads to another "why?" question:

"Why is X?"

"Because of Y."

"Well, why is Y, then?"

"Because of Z."

"But why is Z?"

<whack! whack!>
 

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