Question about gravitational attraction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational attraction, specifically whether mass values in the gravitational force equation can be substituted with energy values, and the implications of such a substitution. The conversation touches on both Newtonian and Einsteinian perspectives of gravity, as well as the relationship between mass and energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests substituting mass in the gravitational formula with energy, questioning if this requires a different equation.
  • Another participant proposes using the equation E=mc^2 for the substitution, but notes that the energy must be confined.
  • A third participant clarifies that in Einstein's theory, gravity is not an attraction but a distortion in spacetime, contrasting it with Newton's view.
  • There is acknowledgment of the need for a more comprehensive understanding involving general relativity for a full treatment of the topic.
  • Participants express their backgrounds in physics, with one noting their self-study approach and another sharing their experience as an undergraduate student.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of gravity and the applicability of substituting mass with energy in the gravitational equation. There is no consensus on the validity of the proposed substitution or the implications of general relativity.

Contextual Notes

Some statements made by participants include caveats about potential errors in physics terminology and the need for further exploration of the concepts discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the relationship between mass and energy, the nature of gravitational attraction, and those studying physics concepts at a foundational level may find this discussion relevant.

RandomDude
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So the formula is F=Gm1m2/r^2. Could you substitute one of the mass values for an energy value since gravity attracts energy ? Or would this require a different equation?
 
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Using E=mc^2?

Yes, you could do that ... but only if the energy was confined somehow.

A full treatment requires general relativity.
 
Welcome to PF RandomDude :redface:

Simply, gravity "attracts" mass in Einstein's theory and not in Newton's which the equation is from :smile:. There gravity isn't an "attraction" like in Newton's theory. Is is a distortion in spacetime where the mass will follow the distortion. Continue your search about gravity and try reading more about General relativity and space! Have fun!.

Watch this video . Hopefully, it will set you on the right track. (note the video is not the actual representation of gravity in Einstein's theory but it makes it easier for you to visualize it)

Note: My post might have some errors and wrong physics/terminology, so I will leave it for the experienced to correct me :smile:
 
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Thanks for helping me wrap my mind around that, I've never actually been in a physics classroom yet. I self study for now.
 
Don't worry :smile:

I have never been in a physics classroom. And now I am continuing to my second year undergrad in physics! You are curious and that what matters !:thumbs:
 
Medicine and Physics are definitely the two things I'm interested in right now.
Yeah I asked myself why things happen and I indulged into physics.
 
You've got medicine physics :-p
 

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