Is Gravity a Force or the Deformation of Space?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Suppaman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gravity
Click For Summary
Gravity is debated as either a force, as described by Newton's theory, or as the deformation of space, as explained by Einstein's relativity. The concept of gravity as a force suggests that particles are connected by gravity carriers, while the deformation of space implies that matter distorts the fabric of space-time. Observational evidence, such as gravitational lensing, supports the idea of space distortion. Ultimately, both perspectives acknowledge that all matter influences other objects in some way. The discussion highlights the complexity of understanding gravity and its fundamental role in the universe.
Suppaman
Messages
128
Reaction score
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
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.
 

Thread 'Does acceleration affect impact energy vs constant velocity?'

I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...
View full post »

Similar threads

Is Gravity Really the Weakest Force in the Universe?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Does the Torricelli Vacuum Experiment Prove the Strength of Vacuum Forces?
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
6K
High School Layman asks 2 basic questions regarding gravity & free will
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Explaining the Hierarchy problem for beginners
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Undergrad Doubts about the relativistic description of electrical interactions
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School What does 3-dimensional space deform into, in the presence of gravity?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Is gravity a by-product instead of a force of nature itself?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Is Gravity a Force or Curvature?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
Graduate Gravity Measured with Milligram masses
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Unravelling the Mystery of Gravity's Speed & Bend
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K