Electrical fields can be negated, but what about gravitational fields?

In summary, the reason we cannot shield a region from gravitational fields in the same manner as electric fields is because unlike electric charges, there are no negative gravitational "charges" to create a cancelling effect. This means that we cannot use a conducting surface to shield from gravitational fields.
  • #1
michael650
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I was curious, that if we surround some region with a conducting surface, we shield it from electric fields, correct? Well I was wondering specifically why we cannot shield a region from gravitational fields in the same manner? I figured it was pretty intuitive, but the more I thought about it, the more confused I became!
 
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  • #2
Because there is no "negative mass", in other words it's not like electric charge where you have +/-.

Just because it is called a field doesn't mean you can think about it like E fields.
 
  • #3
welcome to pf!

hi michael650! welcome to pf! :wink:
michael650 said:
I was curious, that if we surround some region with a conducting surface, we shield it from electric fields, correct? Well I was wondering specifically why we cannot shield a region from gravitational fields in the same manner? I figured it was pretty intuitive, but the more I thought about it, the more confused I became!

the positive and negative charges on the conducting surface separate into different regions, so as to exactly cancel out the field inside the conductor …

as Curl :smile: says, there are no negative gravitational "charges", so that can't happen to the gravitational field
 

What is an electrical field?

An electrical field is an area in space that is affected by the presence of electrically charged particles. It is a fundamental concept in physics and is used to describe the behavior of electrically charged objects.

What is a gravitational field?

A gravitational field is an area in space that is affected by the presence of massive objects. It is a fundamental concept in physics and is used to describe the behavior of objects under the influence of gravity.

How can electrical fields be negated?

Electrical fields can be negated by using a process called grounding, which involves connecting the charged object to the ground through a conductor. This allows the excess charge to flow into the ground and neutralize the electrical field.

Can gravitational fields be negated?

No, gravitational fields cannot be negated. Gravity is a fundamental force in the universe and cannot be canceled out or neutralized like electrical fields. However, its effects can be counteracted by other forces, such as the force of thrust in a rocket.

What are some real-life applications of negating electrical fields?

Negating electrical fields is important in many practical applications, such as in the maintenance of electronic devices. By grounding objects or using conductive materials, electrical fields can be dissipated to prevent damage to sensitive components. It is also used in industries where static electricity poses a risk, such as in the production of flammable substances.

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