Gravity vs Gravitation: What's the Difference?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between gravity and gravitation, defining gravity as the resultant force acting on objects due to the Earth's mass, while gravitation refers to the universal attractive force between any two masses. Gravity is influenced by centrifugal forces from Earth's rotation, making it distinct from the broader concept of gravitation. This differentiation is crucial in fields like physical geodesy, where understanding these forces impacts geophysical applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly forces and mass.
  • Familiarity with geophysical applications and physical geodesy.
  • Knowledge of gravitational theories and their implications.
  • Basic comprehension of centrifugal force and its effects on gravity.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of physical geodesy and its applications in gravity measurement.
  • Explore Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation for a deeper understanding of gravitation.
  • Study the effects of centrifugal force on gravity in different planetary bodies.
  • Investigate the implications of gravity and gravitation in astrophysics and cosmology.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, geophysicists, and anyone interested in the fundamental forces of nature and their applications in scientific research.

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What (if anything) is the difference between gravity and gravitation?
 
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one has more letters than the other.
 
Perhaps gravity is the word we use to describe the attractive field produced my masses, while gravitation is the ressponse to that field, or the force. A dictionary would hit the spot here better.
 
gravitation (grāv'ĭ-tā'shən)

1.

See gravity.
 
In the field of physical geodesy there is a distinction between the two terms:
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopotential
For geophysical applications, gravity is distinguished from gravitation. Gravity is defined as the resultant of gravitation and the centrifugal force caused by the Earth's rotation.​

The difference between gravity and gravitation is somewhat similar to the difference between apparent weight and actual weight.
 
The terms gravity and gravitation are often used to explain the same thing, but there is a definite difference between the two.

Gravitation is the attractive force existing between any two objects that have mass. The force of gravitation pulls objects together.

Gravity is the gravitational force that occurs between the Earth and other bodies. Gravity is the force acting to pull objects toward the earth.

AMINUDIN SHEIKH MUHAMAD, Malaysia.
 
Thank you all for interesting answers! :approve:
 
Also, u can check out and enjoy gravity-space-time at

 
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