Speed Of Light and Gravitational Force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the speed of light and gravitational force, specifically exploring equations that may calculate gravitational force without the gravitational constant (G). Participants share their own equations and seek comparisons or validations against established theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant has derived an equation that uses the speed of light to calculate gravitational force, expressing a desire for guidance and comparisons with existing equations.
  • Another participant asserts that Einstein's general relativity (GR) includes the gravitational constant and questions the consistency of the proposed formula with GR, suggesting that G may be embedded in the variables used.
  • A different participant calculates G from Newton's equation and presents a specific value, which they describe as looking odd.
  • Another participant challenges the existence of an equation that relates gravitational force without using G and questions the dimensional correctness of the previously mentioned value for G.
  • One participant introduces Kepler's constant and proposes a method to calculate gravitational force without G, suggesting that certain constants can be used to derive equations that align with Newton's law of gravitation.
  • This participant also discusses the potential of a "Kepler number" and presents equations that incorporate this concept, aiming to show how it relates to observable measurements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of calculating gravitational force without G, with some asserting that it is impossible while others propose alternative approaches. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the validity of the proposed equations and their consistency with established theories.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the assumptions made in the proposed equations, particularly concerning the dimensional analysis and the embedding of G within other variables. The discussion also highlights the dependence on definitions of constants and the scope of the equations presented.

GravityNutt
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I have been studying gravity for a while on an under graduate level. I have an equation that was derived that uses the speed of light to calculate the gravitational force between two objects. No G needed. Do any of you know of any like equations available that I could compare it with or study?

I know, why not show the equation... well honestly, I do not want to appear an idiot before I do necessary research so any guidance would be appreciated. The only variables are the two masses, distance between them to calculate the force, plus the speed of light and a use of the area of space. (no made up numbers).

Thanks for the guidance.
 
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Einstein's equation in GR contains the gravitational constant, so there is no way around it unless you want to depart from that theory. Either your formula is not consistent with GR, or you are using units where G=1. I'm assuming G is not somehow embedded into any of your other quantities, e.g. the area you speak of?

There is no need to be afraid of posting your equation here. If it weren't for equations, physics would be a sorry state of affairs!

In Newtonian gravity, the attracting gravitational force between two homogeneous spherical objects of masses M1 and M2, the centres of which are separated by a distance R, is

F = G*M1*M2/r^2

acting on each object along the line connecting them. For small masses and large R, your formula should reduce to this one in order to be consistent with Newtonian gravity.

Torquil
 
When I reduce it to solve for G from Newton's famous equation, it comes out looking odd, I calculate G = (64*pi^10) / c^2. Hope this helps.

Thanks
 
There is no equation that relates gravitational force without using G. And your supposed equation, G = (64*pi^10) / c^2, is not even dimensionally correct.
 
Consider MT^2/r^3 with M being a mass, T is the period of an orbiting satellite, r is the distance between the center of mass of M and satellite. Consider this a constant, using Kepler's constant. We will call this constant K for these purposes. There are a lot of cool calculations you can do with this, they are measurable. I suggest using Solar Mass for M, sidereal year in seconds for T, and AU for r. These are all measurable and can eliminate G.

F=G*M*m/r^2

Newton's equation can be calculated without G using K (which is the same for any mass, orbiting period and distance between objects, so you only need one accurate measurement, much like G).

Another concept is that any mass's "Kepler" number (for lack of better naming) can be obtained by K/M written

M_{k}

or

m_{k}

Now use this equation

F=(4\pi^2M)/r^2m_{k}

or you can use

F=(4\pi^2Mm)/Kr^2m

I believe you will find these units are correct, as K has kg^1, s^2, (r^-3) units and is in the denominator, so we match G's units, but with more of a real observable type of units. That is the start of my construct. The equation I had stated above G = (64*pi^10) / c^2 was only to show where c was brought into correlate with G.

Hope this helps see where I started.

Thanks!
 

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