Magnetism & Gravity: Unravelling the Mysteries

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    Gravity Magnetism
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between magnetism and gravity, specifically whether magnetism affects gravitational weight and how energy in magnetic fields contributes to gravitational attraction. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications related to General Relativity and energy-mass equivalence.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that magnetism does not directly affect gravity, but the energy stored in magnetic fields can influence gravitational weight.
  • One participant notes that two magnets weigh slightly more when pulled apart due to the energy in the magnetic field, referencing General Relativity's view that all forms of energy contribute to gravitational attraction.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about why the magnets weigh more when separated rather than less, prompting further discussion on energy and mass.
  • Participants reference Einstein's formula E=mc² to explain that energy is equivalent to mass, suggesting that increased energy in the magnetic fields results in a heavier system.
  • One participant questions whether the increase in gravitational field could overcome the inverse square law, potentially affecting the attraction between the magnets.
  • Warren clarifies that gravity is weak compared to electromagnetic forces, indicating that the gravitational attraction of the entire system is measured differently when magnets are together versus apart.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and agreement regarding the implications of energy in magnetic fields on gravitational weight. There is no consensus on the precise nature of the relationship between magnetism and gravity, and multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of energy and gravitational attraction without resolving the complexities of how these forces interact, particularly in relation to the inverse square law and the relative strengths of electromagnetic and gravitational forces.

Someone502
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Does magnetism have any affect on gravity?
 
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Not directly. However, two magnets weigh very slightly more when pulled apart than when stuck together, because of the energy stored in the magnetic field. In General Relativity, the most modern model of gravity, all forms of energy contribute to gravitational attraction.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
However, two magnets weigh very slightly more when pulled apart than when stuck together, because of the energy stored in the magnetic field.

That is cool! I don't understand it, but it is cool. Why do they weigh more and not less?
 
Einstein's famous formula: E=mc^2. this is to say that energy is mass. This means that the energy in the magnetic fields makes the system heavier.
 
joshuaw said:
Einstein's famous formula: E=mc^2. this is to say that energy is mass. This means that the energy in the magnetic fields makes the system heavier.

Yes, that is true. It seems to me that if they are farther apart, the gravitational attraction (weight) would be less.
 
Think of this way: if you came across two magnets stuck together, would you have to expend energy to pull them apart? Of course, yes, you would have to put energy into the system to pull them apart. Therefore, the system contains more total energy when separated than when together. More energy = more gravitational attraction.

- Warren
 
I see. So the energy in the system has increased. Is this what you meant by "heavier"? Or will the increase in gravitational field overcome the inverse square law, actually making the magnets pull harder on each other?
 
Gravity is extremely weak compared to EM anyway, so it has little effect on the magnets. I was only comparing the gravitational attraction of the entire system, as measured by an outside observer.

The system (two magnets stuck together) weighs slightly less than the system (similar two magnets pulled apart).

- Warren
 
Thank you for the clarification. :smile:
 

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