Gravity and Mass: Debunking the Relationship and Exploring Alternative Theories

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of gravity and its relationship to mass. The participants argue whether gravity is solely a property of invariant mass or if it is also influenced by other factors such as the number of particles. The conversation also touches on how gravity is described in General Relativity and Newtonian physics. Ultimately, it is concluded that gravity is not a property of matter and is more complex than just being determined by mass alone.
  • #1
Denton
120
0
What I've learned is that when going at a fraction of C, the energy put into the acceleration is transferred into mass. However what is strange is that its gravitational strength does not increase. People keep saying that gravity is a property of the invarient mass and that alone.

So then where does that energy go to? For all that is concerned, and increase in mass without an increase in gravity is like adding 1 to infinity. This then means that any mass increase does not increase gravitational strength, thereby concluding that:


A) Gravity is a property of n number of particles, rather than a term of mass (Since then all similar fundimental particles would have similar masses)

or

B) Gravity is not a property of matter.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Gravitational strength does increase.
 
  • #3
Right, then at sufficiently high speeds particles would become black holes.
 
  • #4
From the Usenet Physics FAQ:

http://www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~dkoks/Faq/Relativity/BlackHoles/black_fast.html
 
  • #5
That wasnt my question...
 
  • #6
Then what was your question? You started by saying, "However what is strange is that its gravitational strength does not increase. People keep saying that gravity is a property of the invarient mass and that alone."

The two replies both said, essentially, "No, that's not true".

And your only response is, "That wasn't my question"??
 
  • #7
Denton said:
People keep saying that gravity is a property of the invarient mass and that alone.
In GR gravity is not a property of the invariant mass. Gravitation comes from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress-energy_tensor" [Broken]. This is a Lorentz tensor, so it is obviously much more complicated than the invariant mass which is just a Lorentz scalar.

Mass alone is the source of gravity for Newtonian physics, but in Newtonian physics it doesn't make much sense to speak of invarient mass.

I would say your B) is correct. Gravity is not a property of matter. Things like charge, spin, and mass are properties of matter.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. How are gravity and mass related?

According to traditional Newtonian physics, gravity is directly proportional to mass. This means that the greater the mass of an object, the stronger its gravitational pull. However, this relationship has been challenged by various alternative theories.

2. Can gravity exist without mass?

Some alternative theories suggest that gravity is not dependent on mass at all. For example, the theory of general relativity proposes that gravity is caused by the curvature of spacetime rather than the mass of an object. This means that gravity can exist without mass, as demonstrated by the phenomena of gravitational lensing.

3. How does Einstein's theory of relativity change our understanding of gravity and mass?

Einstein's theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of gravity and mass. It proposed that gravity is not a force between masses, but rather a result of the warping of spacetime caused by massive objects. This means that the relationship between gravity and mass is not as straightforward as previously thought.

4. Are there any other theories that challenge the traditional understanding of gravity and mass?

Yes, there are several alternative theories that challenge the traditional understanding of gravity and mass. These include theories such as loop quantum gravity, which suggests that gravity is a result of tiny 'loops' in the fabric of spacetime, and modified Newtonian dynamics, which proposes that gravity behaves differently at large distances.

5. How do scientists continue to study and explore the relationship between gravity and mass?

Scientists continue to study and explore the relationship between gravity and mass through various experiments, observations, and theoretical models. They also use advanced technologies such as gravitational wave detectors to gather more evidence and further our understanding of this complex relationship.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
90
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
956
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
773
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
34
Views
5K
  • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
73
Views
13K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top