Different Gravities for Leptons and Baryons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of potentially different gravitational forces acting on leptons and baryons, as mentioned in a recent article from NewScientist. Participants explore the seriousness of this idea within the physics community, referencing historical context and the nature of the article itself.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a NewScientist article suggesting the existence of two gravitational forces for leptons and baryons, questioning whether this idea is being taken seriously by physicists.
  • Others express skepticism about the idea, noting the lack of detail in the article and pointing out that it does not cite any real research or credible sources.
  • One participant mentions that the notion of different gravitational responses for leptons and baryons was ruled out by Lorand Eotvos in 1890, implying that the idea is not supported by historical data.
  • Another participant challenges the characterization of the idea as "interesting," comparing it to the implausibility of apples falling upwards, suggesting that excluded ideas may not warrant further consideration.
  • There is a critique of the article's format, noting it is merely a letter to the editor rather than a substantive scientific discussion, which raises questions about its validity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the validity and interest of the idea of different gravitational forces for leptons and baryons. While some find it intriguing, others dismiss it as speculative and unsupported by evidence.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the absence of references or detailed evidence in the original article, which may limit the credibility of the claims being discussed. Historical rulings on the matter are also noted, indicating a long-standing skepticism towards the idea.

Dragonfall
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There was something in last week's NewScientist about the possibility that there are two gravitational forces, one for leptons and one for baryons. Are physicists giving this serious thought?
 
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I doubt it. The article was awfully skimpy on details - like a reference to a real paper, or even a name. Just some anonymous "scientists".

The possibility of leptons and baryons having significantly different responses to gravity was ruled out in 1890 by Lorand Eotvos.
 
Dragonfall said:
There was something in last week's NewScientist about the possibility that there are two gravitational forces, one for leptons and one for baryons. Are physicists giving this serious thought?
Interesting idea though newscientist
 
Last edited:
Why is an idea excluded by data "interesting"? Would the idea that apples fall up instead of down be interesting?
 
Mammo said:
Interesting idea though newscientist

This isn't even an article, it's a letter to the editor. If he had posted it here on PF, without any references to show that physicists are actually discussing this possibility seriously, we probably would have deleted it as being overly speculative.
 

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