Does heat generate additional gravity

In summary, adding energy to an object does increase its gravitational mass, as all forms of energy are equivalent to mass according to the equation E=mc^2. This can be seen by considering that heating up an object, which adds energy to it, also increases its gravitational pull.
  • #1
BrianConlee
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Considering E=mc^2... (solved for m; m=E/c^2)

If I heat up an object, does it generate more gravity as it gets hotter?

What about adding other types of energy to the object? (pick your energy form - save potential I would think)

(Basically, does adding energy to an object increase it's gravitational mass)

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
BrianConlee said:
Considering E=mc^2... (solved for m; m=E/c^2)

If I heat up an object, does it generate more gravity as it gets hotter?

What about adding other types of energy to the object? (pick your energy form - save potential I would think)

(Basically, does adding energy to an object increase it's gravitational mass)

Thanks.

If you heat the object by adding energy, and not just compressing the object or some means that doesn't require the addition of energy, then yes.
 
  • #3
If one form of energy is equivalent to mass, then all other forms of energy must be equivalent to mass as well. For an argument to this effect, see this link: http://www.lightandmatter.com/html_books/6mr/ch01/ch01.html#Section1.3
 
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1. What is the relationship between heat and gravity?

Heat and gravity are both fundamental forces in the universe, but they are not directly related. Heat is a form of energy, while gravity is a force of attraction between objects with mass. However, heat can indirectly affect gravity by changing the density and mass of an object.

2. Does heat generate additional gravity?

No, heat does not generate additional gravity. Gravity is determined by the mass and distance between objects, not their temperature. While a heated object may appear to have more mass, this is only because its particles are moving faster, not because it actually has more mass.

3. Can heat cause objects to have more gravitational pull?

No, heat does not cause objects to have more gravitational pull. As mentioned before, gravity is determined by an object's mass and distance, not its temperature. A heated object may appear to have a stronger gravitational pull because its particles are moving faster, but this is not due to an increase in its mass.

4. Is there a difference in gravity between hot and cold objects?

No, there is no difference in gravity between hot and cold objects. The force of gravity is the same for all objects with the same mass, regardless of their temperature. However, the effect of gravity may be more noticeable on a hot object because its particles are more active and can cause it to expand or contract.

5. Can heat affect the gravitational pull of the Earth?

Yes, heat can indirectly affect the gravitational pull of the Earth. As the Earth's core is heated, it becomes less dense and can cause the planet's gravitational pull to decrease slightly. However, this effect is very small and cannot be directly observed by humans.

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