Explaining Gravity and Diffusion: Contradiction or Balance?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between gravity and diffusion, highlighting a perceived contradiction. It concludes that while gravity exerts a force on particles, the collision forces driving diffusion are significantly stronger, allowing particles to permeate barriers. The example provided illustrates that in a tightly packed scenario, diffusion prevails over gravitational attraction, leading to an equilibrium state where the effects of gravity can be neglected. This understanding clarifies the balance between these two physical phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Law of Gravity
  • Basic principles of particle diffusion
  • Knowledge of atomic interactions and forces
  • Familiarity with concepts of equilibrium in physical systems
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  • Research the principles of particle diffusion in gases and liquids
  • Explore advanced topics in atomic interactions and forces
  • Study the implications of Newton's Law of Gravity in various physical scenarios
  • Investigate the role of collision forces in determining particle behavior
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Students of physics, researchers in material science, and anyone interested in the dynamics of particle interactions and the balance between gravitational and diffusion forces.

Boar
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The concept of diffusion is confusing me, as it seems to contradict gravity.

x = particles of matter with a mass of 1
| = a barrier particle x can permeate

Situation A:
xxxxx|x


(1)

Result of Situation A (tested approximately)
xxx|xxx


The explanation of this is that the particles are simply too tightly packed and want to expand.


(2)However, Newtons law of gravity would show that the 5x's would attract the 1x with a force 5 times greater than the 1x would attract the 5x's(I think). Therefore, in order to equal out(3x's per side), wouldn't the 1x need to pull twice as hard on the 5x's? Doesn't Newtons law of gravity show that the result of that experiment would tend towards the side with 5x's at least keeping all of it's particles, if not gaining the 1x?
 
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The force of gravity between atoms is way, way, way less than the collision forces driving them apart.

You can safely neglect any effect of gravity.
 

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