What Causes Gravity and Can Anyone Explain It to Me?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the origins and nature of gravity, exploring the question of what causes gravity and the underlying mechanisms behind it. Participants express curiosity and uncertainty regarding the fundamental nature of gravity, referencing both historical and contemporary theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the origins of gravity, seeking clarity on what causes this force.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that the question is akin to a "Holy Grail" for physicists, noting that while there are theories that describe gravity, none explain its necessity.
  • A historical reference is made to Isaac Newton's response to similar questions, highlighting the longstanding nature of this inquiry.
  • Einstein's general relativity is mentioned, which posits that gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime caused by matter, yet some participants remain unsatisfied with this explanation.
  • One participant shares that university lecturers also do not have definitive answers, mentioning theories involving gravitons.
  • Several participants reflect on their personal frustrations and motivations regarding the understanding of gravity, indicating a shared sense of curiosity and challenge in grasping the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the complexity and unresolved nature of the question regarding the cause of gravity, with multiple competing views and theories presented. No consensus is reached on a definitive explanation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations in current understanding of gravity, including the dependence on existing theories and the lack of a comprehensive explanation for its existence.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals curious about fundamental physics concepts, students exploring introductory physics, and those interested in the philosophical implications of scientific theories.

hollyrenee
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During a physics test today (introductory phys) we had to find the force exerted on an object from gravity. So my mind somehow wandered off as I started wondering where gravity actually comes from. I know that's a very broad question since I guess we don't even really know where we "come from", so maybe it should be rephrased as what causes gravity... Either way, the answer seems beyond me. I'm having trouble grasping what exactly causes this force I suppose. Can anybody help me out? This is the first physics class I've taken, so if you think the answer would be beyond my understanding then I don't mind if you just say so.
=D

Thanks!

Oh and this isn't a homework question or anything. I'm just curious.
 
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That's okay, Holly - we probably would have guessed that this was not a homework problem. In fact, you could take it on as an independent study project - and when you solve it you'll get the Nobel Prize!

I'm just kidding, but in fact the question you've asked is sort of like the Holy Grail for theoretical physicists. There are some very successful theories that describe gravity very well, but none that actually explain why it must exist in the first place - not yet, at least!
 
When Isaac Newton was asked this same question he famously replied "Hypotheses non fingo," which is sometimes whimsically translated as "Uhmm..." :smile:
 
Einstein's theory (general relativity) says that gravity comes from the curvature of spacetime - and in turn, the curvature of spacetime is caused by matter. But if you're not satisfied by that answer, don't worry, you're not alone ;-) The curvature thing was devised as a way to explain how gravity works, but like belliott4488 said, a lot of people still wonder about why it exists.
 
Yeah, I've asked all my unversity lecturers on what they think about it, and they have no idea besides the current theories revolving around gravitrons
 
Haha, aw rats! I guess I'll just have to add this to my list of "things that drive me nuts because i don't understand them and most likely will never understand". Or I'll just go figure it out myself since I know so much about physics. (ha ha...) :-p
 
hollyrenee said:
Haha, aw rats! I guess I'll just have to add this to my list of "things that drive me nuts because i don't understand them and most likely will never understand". Or I'll just go figure it out myself since I know so much about physics. (ha ha...) :-p
Hey, a lot of very successful Physicists got started exactly that way! In my case, it was magnets - they seemed like magic, so I decided that I would try to understand them as well as I possibly could.

Um, I guess that means some less-than-successful Physicists got our start that way, too. :-p
 

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