Is Gravity Merely a Byproduct of Electromagnetic Forces?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the gravitational constant G and its relationship to electromagnetic forces and quantum mechanics. Participants express skepticism about the traditional Newtonian view that gravitational force is solely a function of mass and distance, suggesting instead that G may be influenced by electromagnetic properties. The equivalence of G to Planck_length^3 / (Planck_mass * Planck_time^2) is highlighted, indicating a deeper connection to quantum theory and Planck's constant h. Ultimately, one participant asserts that this relationship is a tautology inherent in the definitions of Planck units, concluding that further discussion is unnecessary.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newtonian mechanics and gravitational force equations
  • Familiarity with Planck units: Planck_length, Planck_mass, Planck_time
  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and Planck's constant h
  • Concept of electromagnetic radiation and its properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Planck units in modern physics
  • Explore the relationship between gravity and electromagnetism in theoretical physics
  • Study the principles of quantum mechanics and their impact on gravitational theories
  • Investigate alternative theories of gravity beyond Newtonian mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the intersection of gravity, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.

CDooli
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Hello,

I am vexed by the Gravitational constant G.

I have always thought that the gravitational force is proportional to mass and inversely proportional to distance^2, but it seems that it cannot be as cut-and-dry as this if we need to scale the relationship by G, with units of distance^3 / ( mass * time^2 ). My inner suspicions tell me that the gravitational force may be more subtlety related to electromagnetic/quantum activity, with the masses of the bodies involved as the true scaling factors...

Apparently, G is numerically and dimensionally equal to Planck_length^3 / ( Planck_mass * Planck_time^2 )... Therefore, G is intimately related to Planck's constant h, which lies at the very heart of quantum theory. Does this bother anyone else?

I suppose this is my question: is it possible that gravity is actually a byproduct of the electromagnetic force, and, because all the mass of celestial bodies consists of an equilibrium of charge, we can use mass as a direct scaling factor for the gravitational force?

All bodies with a temperature above absolute zero give off thermal radiation, which is electromagnetic, in spherical wavefronts. Is it possible that gravity is not the curvature of spacetime, but some kind of net reaction/bias applied the electromagnetic properties of free space?

Any thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated.
 
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CDooli said:
Apparently, G is numerically and dimensionally equal to Planck_length^3 / ( Planck_mass * Planck_time^2 )... Therefore, G is intimately related to Planck's constant h, which lies at the very heart of quantum theory. Does this bother anyone else?

Well, when you consider that the Planck length, mass, and time include ##G## in their definition, it's not so surprising that with a bit of algebra I can write G in terms of those quantities... and it doesn't show any intimate relationship between ##G## and ##h##.
 
CDooli said:
Hello,

I am vexed by the Gravitational constant G.

I have always thought that the gravitational force is proportional to mass and inversely proportional to distance^2, but it seems that it cannot be as cut-and-dry as this if we need to scale the relationship by G, with units of distance^3 / ( mass * time^2 ).
In Newtonian mechanics, gravitational force is proportional to the product of the two masses that are attracting one another gravitational and is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects: ##F\propto \frac {m_1m_2}{r^2}##. Writing this proportionality as an equality yields ##F = G \frac {m_1m_2}{r^2}##. The units of this constant of proportionality are trivially length3mass-1time-2.

My inner suspicions tell me that the gravitational force may be more subtlety related to electromagnetic/quantum activity, with the masses of the bodies involved as the true scaling factors...
A strong word of warning: Read our rules. You haven't breached them yet, but you are *this* close to doing so, and this is not a minor breach.

Apparently, G is numerically and dimensionally equal to Planck_length^3 / ( Planck_mass * Planck_time^2 )... Therefore, G is intimately related to Planck's constant h, which lies at the very heart of quantum theory. Does this bother anyone else?
Please.

That G is equal to Planck_length^3 / ( Planck_mass * Planck_time^2 ) is a tautology. It is implicit in how those Planck units, particularly Planck mass, are defined.There is nothing to discuss here. Thread closed.
 

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