What is Gravity? Exploring Force vs Deformation of Space

  • Thread starter Suppaman
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Gravity
In summary, gravity is a fundamental force that attracts objects with mass towards each other. It works by creating a force between objects with mass and is caused by the curvature of space and time. Gravity affects space by causing it to be curved, which affects the motion of objects within it. There are two ways of understanding gravity: as a force between objects with mass or as a curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass. Both approaches are valid and can help us understand the effects of gravity in different ways.
  • #1
Suppaman
128
11
I would like to know if Gravity is a force or just the deformation of space. I find it hard to comprehend how every particle in the universe might be connected to every other particle by some gravity carrier but having space distorted seems reasonable and we can see that with gravity lens if our location is proper. Which is the best explanation and why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Newton's theory - gravity us a force.
Relativity - space is deformed by matter.

In either case, all matter has some effect on a given object.
 

1. What is gravity?

Gravity is a fundamental force that attracts objects with mass towards each other. It is responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the sun and for objects falling towards the Earth.

2. How does gravity work?

Gravity works by creating a force between objects with mass. The strength of this force is determined by the masses of the objects and the distance between them. The larger the mass and the closer the distance, the stronger the force of gravity.

3. What causes gravity?

In the theory of general relativity, gravity is caused by the curvature of space and time. Objects with mass create a "dent" in space-time, and other objects with mass are attracted to this curvature.

4. How does gravity affect space?

Gravity causes space to be curved, which affects the motion of objects within it. The presence of massive objects, such as planets and stars, can cause the space around them to be curved, leading to the effects of gravity.

5. What is the difference between force and deformation of space?

Force and deformation of space are two ways of understanding gravity. Force is the traditional way of describing gravity as a pull between objects with mass. Deformation of space, on the other hand, describes gravity as a curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass. Both approaches are valid and can help us understand the effects of gravity in different ways.

Similar threads

Replies
36
Views
5K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
854
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
313
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
6
Views
737
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
61
Views
4K
Back
Top