Gravity Effects on Atoms: Extent & Impact

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of gravity on atoms, exploring whether gravity influences atomic behavior and to what extent this influence is significant. Participants touch on theoretical implications, observable phenomena, and the relationship between gravity and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that gravity affects atoms due to their mass, but this effect is generally considered negligible.
  • One participant emphasizes that the gravitational interactions between atoms are fundamental to the structure of the universe, citing the gravitational pull that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
  • Another participant notes that in a vacuum at Earth's surface, gravity accelerates atoms at approximately 9.8 meters per second squared, questioning if any atoms fall at different rates.
  • Some participants introduce the concept of energy's role in gravitational interactions, referencing general relativity and the stress-energy tensor.
  • There is a claim that gravity exhibits quantum-like properties, though this statement is met with skepticism and calls for clarification on the concept of quantum gravity.
  • Participants engage in a back-and-forth regarding the interpretation of quantum gravity, suggesting that the term is often misunderstood and should not imply quantization of spacetime.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that gravity affects atoms due to their mass, but there is contention regarding the significance of this effect and the implications of quantum gravity. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on specific interpretations of general relativity and quantum mechanics, which may not be universally accepted or understood. The discussion includes references to scientific literature that may require further examination.

photon79
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I wish to know whether gravity has any effect on atoms? And if so to what extent ?
 
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well atoms have mass so gravitation naturally affects them. but it's usually neglible.
 
Gravity acting on atoms is pretty much what most of our observable universe is all about.

The sum total of gravititational pull from each individual atom in the Earth acting upon each individual atom in the Moon is what keeps the Moon in orbit.
 
photon79 said:
I wish to know whether gravity has any effect on atoms? And if so to what extent ?

In a vacuum at the Earth's surface gravity accelerates each atom at the rate of about 9.8 meters per second^2 toward the surface.
If you find any atoms that have a different rate of fall please let me know! :biggrin:

Creator
 
inha said:
well atoms have mass so gravitation naturally affects them. but it's usually neglible.
the gravitational interaction is not only driven by particle's having mass. Energy is also a factor. In GR, spacetime is curved by the stress energy tensor, you know. Just look at the right hand side of the Einstein tensor-equation.

Besides, did you guys know that gravity DOES have quantum like properties [1]

[1] V.V Nesvizhevsky et al., Nature v.415, p.297 (2002)

marlon
 
BY Marlon
Besides, did you guys know that gravity DOES have quantum like properties [1]
Frome the little that is known about, "quantum gravity", i would say that is a bold statement, What are the facts ?
 
wolram said:
Frome the little that is known about, "quantum gravity", i would say that is a bold statement, What are the facts ?
:rolleyes: read the paper.

besides, what exactly do you understand by quantum gravity. this is a term that is very often misinterpreted. we are not dealing with quantization, or whatever, of spacetime here

marlon
 
marlon said:
:rolleyes: read the paper.

besides, what exactly do you understand by quantum gravity. this is a term that is very often misinterpreted. we are not dealing with quantization, or whatever, of spacetime here

marlon

Oh thank the stars, a scientific paper with no strings attached.
 
wolram said:
Oh thank the stars, a scientific paper with no strings attached.
it is a Nature paper man :rolleyes:

Besides, have you read the references in that paper, hmm ?

marlon
 

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