Gravity vs Gravitation: What's the Difference?

In summary, the difference between gravity and gravitation lies in their definitions and applications. Gravity is the word used to describe the attractive field produced by masses, while gravitation is the response to that field or the force. Gravitation is the attractive force between any two objects with mass, while gravity is specifically the force between the Earth and other bodies.
  • #1
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What (if anything) is the difference between gravity and gravitation?
 
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  • #2
one has more letters than the other.
 
  • #3
Perhaps gravity is the word we use to describe the attractive field produced my masses, while gravitation is the ressponse to that field, or the force. A dictionary would hit the spot here better.
 
  • #4
gravitation (grāv'ĭ-tā'shən)

1.

See gravity.
 
  • #5
In the field of physical geodesy there is a distinction between the two terms:
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopotential
For geophysical applications, gravity is distinguished from gravitation. Gravity is defined as the resultant of gravitation and the centrifugal force caused by the Earth's rotation.
The difference between gravity and gravitation is somewhat similar to the difference between apparent weight and actual weight.
 
  • #6
The terms gravity and gravitation are often used to explain the same thing, but there is a definite difference between the two.

Gravitation is the attractive force existing between any two objects that have mass. The force of gravitation pulls objects together.

Gravity is the gravitational force that occurs between the Earth and other bodies. Gravity is the force acting to pull objects toward the earth.

AMINUDIN SHEIKH MUHAMAD, Malaysia.
 
  • #9
Also, u can check out and enjoy gravity-space-time at

 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is the difference between gravity and gravitation?

Gravity refers to the force of attraction between two objects with mass, while gravitation is the phenomenon that explains the force of gravity.

2. Are gravity and gravitation the same thing?

No, they are not the same thing. Gravity is the force, while gravitation is the theory that explains the force of gravity.

3. How does gravity work?

Gravity is a force that acts between two objects with mass and is directly proportional to the mass of the objects and inversely proportional to the distance between them. The larger the mass of the objects, the stronger the gravitational force will be between them.

4. Does gravity only exist on Earth?

No, gravity exists everywhere in the universe. It is a fundamental force that exists between all objects with mass, regardless of their location.

5. Can gravity be turned off?

No, gravity is a natural force that is always present. It cannot be turned off or manipulated by humans.

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