Gravitational Field Existence in Void: Philosophical Inquiry

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the existence of gravitational fields between two particles in a void, particularly at vast distances such as those between galaxy cluster walls. It concludes that, according to General Relativity (GR), gravity is not a force field as defined in Newtonian mechanics; rather, it is a manifestation of spacetime curvature. As long as matter or energy exists in the universe, spacetime curvature—and thus gravitational influence—persists, even at great distances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR)
  • Familiarity with spacetime curvature concepts
  • Knowledge of Newtonian mechanics
  • Basic principles of particle physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of spacetime curvature in General Relativity
  • Research the role of gravitons in quantum gravity theories
  • Examine the differences between gravitational fields in Newtonian and relativistic contexts
  • Explore the concept of gravitational influence at cosmological scales
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Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of gravitational interactions in the universe.

Herbascious J
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If a gravitational field is sufficiently weak can it still be considered to exist, or is there a point where physically it has disappeared?
This is of a more philosophical inquiry. If two particles are in a void and moving apart, if they are sufficiently far apart, like say the distance between two galaxy cluster walls, does the gravitational field between them still fundamentally exist? I'm trying to understand if gravity will eventually become zero. I don't mean practically, but in pure fundamentals. Should it still be assumed that, however weak, there is still some type of interactions taking place? It did occur to me that maybe gravitons have some quantum limit where they just don't really keep passing between the particles any more.
 
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Herbascious J said:
This is of a more philosophical inquiry.
This is a physics forum, not a philosophy forum.

Herbascious J said:
If two particles are in a void and moving apart, if they are sufficiently far apart, like say the distance between two galaxy cluster walls, does the gravitational field between them still fundamentally exist?
Since we are in the relativity forum, the term "gravitational field" is the wrong term to use; gravity is not a force field in GR the way it is in Newtonian mechanics.

The best answer in the context of relativity is that, as long as there is some matter or energy anywhere in the universe, there will be some spacetime curvature everywhere.
 
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