Where Does Earth's Gravity Originate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the origins of Earth's gravity, exploring concepts related to gravitational force, potential energy, and philosophical implications. Participants engage in a mix of technical reasoning and conceptual clarification regarding the nature of gravity and its relationship to energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that energy cannot be created or destroyed, questioning the origin of Earth's gravity.
  • Another participant clarifies that gravity is a force, not energy, and discusses how gravitational potential energy is dependent on an object's position and the work done to place it there.
  • A philosophical perspective is introduced, suggesting that gravity only exists if a body has gravitational potential energy, prompting further commentary on the complexity of the question.
  • A later reply emphasizes that potential energy is a form of energy that can be converted but does not violate conservation laws, while also addressing the philosophical question of the initial gravitational potential energy of the universe linked to the big bang.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between gravity and energy, with some focusing on technical definitions and others introducing philosophical considerations. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully agree on the definitions and implications of gravity and potential energy, leading to unresolved questions about the origins of gravitational potential energy and its philosophical interpretations.

7bear
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ccording to energy of conservation, energy can't create or destroy.
So, where does the Gravity in Earth come from??
 
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Gravity is not energy, gravity is force (and there is no "conservation of force law"). The POTENTIAL ENERGY due to the force of gravity on an object depends upon the position of the object and is "created" by the work done to put the object in that position.
 
On the other hand, a bit philosophical though, gravity only exists if a body has gravitational potential energy. What's your comment on that?

The question might look simple, but too me it isn't.
 
Originally posted by way2go
On the other hand, a bit philosophical though, gravity only exists if a body has gravitational potential energy. What's your comment on that?

The question might look simple, but too me it isn't.
[?] [?] It really is simple. Potential energy is just that - potential energy. You can convert it to kinetic energy and back, but you don't ever get anything for free. It does not violate conservation.

However, if you are asking where the initial gravitational potential energy of the universe came from - that's the big bang. Where did the BB come from? Now you're into philosophy.
 
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