Gravitational Force (F) Undefined: What Does it Mean?

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When gravitational force (F) is calculated using Newton's law and the distance (r) between two masses is zero, the result is undefined, indicating a breakdown of the equation's applicability. This occurs because real objects cannot be treated as ideal point masses, as they always have a non-zero size, meaning r can never actually be zero. Additionally, at extremely small distances, quantum mechanics and general relativity introduce complexities that Newton's law does not account for. The discussion highlights that while fermions cannot occupy the same space, bosons can, but the probability of finding two particles at the same point is effectively zero. Understanding these limitations is crucial for applying gravitational concepts accurately.
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Newton's law of universal equation is equal to:

F= G (m1 * m2)\ r squared

However if r = 0, then F is undefined. What does it please mean if gravitational force (F) is undefined?
 
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It can't be 0. That would mean that two objects will be in the same place. Also because of strong force.
 
Einstein's Cat said:
However if r = 0, then F is undefined. What does it please mean if gravitational force (F) is undefined?

It means that the equation you're using doesn't apply under the conditions in which you're trying to use it. When this happens, you have to look at the problem and understand why. In this case there are at least two (mutually consistent) explanations for what's going on:
1) There are no ideal point masses in the real world, so Newton's law is properly understood as being about the centers of gravity of real objects with non-zero size. In that case the centers of gravity are always separated by some non-zero amount, ##r## is never zero, and the infinity that you're getting when you plug ##r=0## into the equation is natures way of telling you that you're making a mistake.
2) Quantum-mechanical and general-relativistic effects come into play at extremely small distances, and Newton's law doesn't allow for these.

There's more real understanding in #1 than in #2, but there's no contradiction between them.
 
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Gravitational force is the force between two massive objects. Taking r= 0 means that two massive objects would be occupying the same location which is impossible.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Gravitational force is the force between two massive objects. Taking r= 0 means that two massive objects would be occupying the same location which is impossible.

It is impossible for fermions but not for bosons (not to speak about dark matter). As already mentioned by Nugatory the real problem is the size. There are no point masses in reality.
 
DrStupid said:
It is impossible for fermions but not for bosons (not to speak about dark matter).
If you want to add quantum mechanics: the probability to find two particles at exactly the same spot is zero, and the expectation value for the potential energy is zero for every physical continuous distribution for the relative position. This is true for both fermions and bosons, it does not depend on the spin.
 
Now is the time to change from B to A.
 
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