- #31
Al68
Aha! And my Physics prof thought I was crazy for stating my height in plank lengths!alxm said:
Does the existance of relativity prove that gravity's wrong?
- Context: Graduate
- Thread starter GordonDengyo
- Start date
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- Tags
- Relativity
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the relationship between Einstein's theory of relativity and Newton's theory of gravity, questioning whether relativity disproves gravity or if gravity remains a valid scientific theory. Participants explore the implications of both theories, their applicability in different contexts, and the philosophical underpinnings of scientific understanding in physics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants argue that if Einstein's work proves Newton's gravity wrong, it raises questions about why gravity is still used as a sound theory in physics.
- Others clarify that while Newtonian gravity is technically incorrect, it is still applicable in weak gravitational fields and small curvatures of spacetime, where its predictions closely match those of General Relativity (GR).
- It is noted that Newton lacked a mechanism to explain gravitational attraction, which GR attempts to address, although GR does not explain why mass bends space.
- One participant expresses skepticism about the foundational concept of gravity, suggesting that if the idea of mass generating gravity is flawed, then many current theories in physics, including relativity, could also be incorrect.
- Concerns are raised about the adequacy of current explanations for phenomena such as the behavior of stars around galactic cores and the implications of black holes.
- Another participant points out that the probability of stars colliding in galaxies is low, countering claims about black holes consuming all stars in their vicinity.
- Some participants highlight the complexity of understanding fundamental concepts like mass, time, and space, suggesting that scientific progress often involves gradual refinement of theories rather than immediate resolution of questions.
- There is a call for deeper inquiry into the nature of mass and gravity, with participants expressing a desire for clearer explanations.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants exhibit a range of views, with no consensus on whether gravity is fundamentally flawed or if it remains a useful approximation under certain conditions. The discussion reflects ongoing debate and uncertainty regarding the implications of relativity for our understanding of gravity.
Contextual Notes
Some claims rely on assumptions about the applicability of Newtonian gravity versus GR, and there are unresolved questions regarding the mechanisms behind gravitational attraction and the nature of mass.
- #32
cragar
- 2,546
- 3
whos to say that gravity is a pull and not a push.
- #33
russ_watters
Mentor
- 23,829
- 11,306
It's not a push.
- #34
cragar
- 2,546
- 3
why is it not a push . i thought gr describes it as following the curves in space.