Inverse Square Laws: Gravity & EMR

AI Thread Summary
The inverse square law applies to both gravity and electromagnetic radiation, indicating that the intensity of these forces diminishes with the square of the distance from the source. This relationship arises because both forces spread out uniformly over the surface area of a sphere as they propagate. Despite being fundamentally different forces, gravity and electromagnetic radiation exhibit similar propagation patterns due to their geometric nature. The area of a sphere increases with the square of the radius, which explains the inverse square relationship. Understanding this principle highlights the mathematical similarities in how different forces behave in space.
EnumaElish
Science Advisor
Messages
2,346
Reaction score
124
How does inverse square law of gravity relate to the inverse square law of electromagnetic radiation (e.g. illumination)? How come gravity and EMR propagate identically even though they are different forces?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Think of anything that spreads out from a point into a sphere, the force is spread over the surface of the sphere - and the area of the sphere depends on the radiius squared.
 

Similar threads

I How does the inverse square law apply to a focused detector?
Replies
18
Views
8K
B Inverse Square Law: Voltage/Current Graphs
Replies
1
Views
12K
I Evidence for Inverse Square Law at Extremely Large Distance?
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Electricity and Magnetism: Verifying the Inverse Square Law
Replies
3
Views
1K
B Who Created the Inverse Square Law Theory
Replies
3
Views
4K
I Sound pressure and inverse distance law
Replies
5
Views
2K
B Does the inverse square law equalize gravity at different spots?
Replies
8
Views
2K
I Inverse Square Law for Black Holes
Replies
32
Views
2K
B Proof of inverse square law for gravitation?
Replies
18
Views
2K
The elliptical orbits and inverse-square law forces.
Replies
3
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top