Is Gravity a force or the absence of a force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of gravity, specifically whether it should be considered a force or the absence of a force. Participants explore theoretical implications, definitions of force, and the relationship between gravity and the curvature of space-time.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that gravity might be the absence of a force, questioning what this would imply for the search for gravitons and whether gravity has measurable electromagnetic potential.
  • Another participant argues that gravity is defined as one of the four fundamental forces of nature, emphasizing that it should be viewed as an interaction rather than an absence of force.
  • A different perspective is introduced, noting that in General Relativity, gravity does not cause proper acceleration, which leads to the argument that it may not fit the strict definition of a force.
  • Some participants discuss the implications of defining force in various ways, particularly in relation to interactions and proper acceleration.
  • One participant references a discredited push gravity theory, suggesting skepticism towards certain interpretations of gravity.
  • Another participant proposes that gravity could be viewed as a byproduct of momentum and the curvature of space-time, noting that the intensity of gravity varies with mass proximity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether gravity can be considered a force or an absence of force, with no consensus reached. Some agree on aspects of the curvature of space-time while others maintain conflicting definitions of force.

Contextual Notes

Definitions of "force" and "interaction" are central to the discussion, with various interpretations leading to different conclusions about the nature of gravity. The complexity of General Relativity and its implications for understanding gravity are also acknowledged.

genphis
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One thing that puzzles me is that, we are looking for the elusive graviton as a medium for transferring gravity. But if gravity is possibly the absence of force (just a thought ) what would we be looking for. Mass manipulates the fabric of space causing gravity wells or sumps as such. but does gravity have any electro-magnetic potential that can be measured.

can someone please point me in the right direction?
 
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Gravity cannot be the absence of a force. It is, by definition, one of the 4 fundamental forces of nature. Don't be confused by the "force" term. It is more accurate to describe the fundamental forces as "interactions" instead. Basically it just means that objects affect other objects using one of these 4 ways, which we label as interactions or forces.

Gravitation is described extremely well by General Relativity, and any attempt to describe it as an "absence of force" would probably be horribly complex and make practically zero sense.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_interaction

Is also does have a potential.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational_potential
 
genphis said:
if gravity is possibly the absence of force

It depends on how you define "force". If you define it the way Drakkith did, as an "interaction"--basically "a way that things can affect each other"--then gravity is a "force". But in General Relativity, the strict definition of "force" is "something that causes proper acceleration". Gravity does *not* do that--objects whose motion is affected only by gravity are in free fall and feel zero acceleration; their proper acceleration is zero. So in this sense, gravity is *not* a "force".
 
Yes, I took "absence of force" to mean the absence of something that causes an interaction, not the absence of something that causes proper acceleration.
 
is not acceleration a constant factor in our experience of the universe. if we are orbiting the sun, and our galaxy spinning is not gravity a byproduct of momentum. Are we not falling around the curvature of the space-time fabric. And because mass bends space we experience gravity at different intensity depending on the mass in our proximity.So by that definition Earth creates a more intense curvature of space than the moon so walking on Earth is feels like you are being pulled down more because the incline is steeper. that again is just an assumption on my part.
 
That is essentially correct, yes.
 
thanks for enlightenment
 

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