Electrical fields can be negated, but what about gravitational fields?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the fundamental differences between electric and gravitational fields, specifically the inability to shield against gravitational fields using methods applicable to electric fields. Participants clarify that while a conducting surface can negate electric fields by separating positive and negative charges, gravitational fields cannot be shielded in the same manner due to the absence of negative mass. The conversation emphasizes the unique properties of gravitational fields compared to electric fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and conductors
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational fields
  • Familiarity with the concept of mass and charge
  • Awareness of field theory in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrostatics and electric field shielding
  • Explore the concept of gravitational fields and their properties
  • Study the implications of mass in gravitational interactions
  • Investigate field theory and its applications in physics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the distinctions between electric and gravitational fields and their implications in theoretical and applied physics.

michael650
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I was curious, that if we surround some region with a conducting surface, we shield it from electric fields, correct? Well I was wondering specifically why we cannot shield a region from gravitational fields in the same manner? I figured it was pretty intuitive, but the more I thought about it, the more confused I became!
 
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Because there is no "negative mass", in other words it's not like electric charge where you have +/-.

Just because it is called a field doesn't mean you can think about it like E fields.
 
welcome to pf!

hi michael650! welcome to pf! :wink:
michael650 said:
I was curious, that if we surround some region with a conducting surface, we shield it from electric fields, correct? Well I was wondering specifically why we cannot shield a region from gravitational fields in the same manner? I figured it was pretty intuitive, but the more I thought about it, the more confused I became!

the positive and negative charges on the conducting surface separate into different regions, so as to exactly cancel out the field inside the conductor …

as Curl :smile: says, there are no negative gravitational "charges", so that can't happen to the gravitational field
 

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