Pull of Gravity.Where it starts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of gravitational pull, specifically regarding when the gravitational influence of Earth begins to act on objects in space, such as comets or space rocks. Participants explore theoretical aspects of gravity's reach and its implications in various contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions when the gravitational pull of Earth starts acting on objects in space, particularly at what distance this influence becomes significant.
  • Another participant states that gravitational force can be calculated using the formula GMm/(r*r), suggesting that the force is present even at infinite distances, but the context of dominance is different.
  • A third participant mentions that Earth's gravitational field is observable up to about 2.75 billion light years, implying a limit to its influence.
  • A later reply introduces a question about quantum mechanics and whether it implies a minimum gravitational force, referencing the concept of a graviton and its energy levels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature and limits of gravitational influence, with no consensus reached on the specifics of when Earth's gravity becomes significant for objects in space.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about gravitational force calculations and the implications of quantum mechanics, which remain unresolved and may depend on further definitions and interpretations.

gunblaze
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Pull of Gravity...Where it starts?

hi...

Juz curious... when does the gravitational pull of Earth starts?

eg:
Let's say a comet/ a space rock ...It will travel slowly in space but once it is caught by gravity, it will accelerate, right? Yeah... so when does that happen.What distance from Earth will the Earth's gravitational force starts to act on the subject.
 
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Infinitely far away, because the force between the bodies is GMm/(r*r). If your question was meant to be when the force between Earth and the comet is the dominant gravitational force, well that's an entirely different question.
 
Well, technically, the affect of Earth's gravity field is only observable out to a distance of about 2.75 billion light years.
 
Would quantum mechanics dictate a zero-point minimum gravity? Does the graviton have a minimum energy level so that there is a mimimum gravity force?
 

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