What is most likely to be the actual explanation of gravity?

In summary, the conversation discusses the different theories of gravity, including general relativity and quantum physics. The string theory also offers a different explanation for gravity. While general relativity is a logical model, it does not fully explain the weakness of gravity compared to other forces. Ultimately, physics creates models to reflect observations, and a more fundamental theory may be able to predict the strength of gravity.
  • #1
VertexOperator
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I am studying general relativity and quantum physics at the moment and as you know each theory has a different explanation for gravity and now the string theory has a different one too (afaik) so what is most likely to be the actual explanation of gravity?
General relativity seems very logical but I read somewhere that it doesn't explain why gravity is so much weaker than electromagnetism and the nuclear force.
 
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  • #2
Physics is not about "actual" explanations of the world, it just invents models. General relativity is a very good model, and all better models should lead to something similar to a variable spacetime in situations where quantum mechanics can be neglected.

but I read somewhere that it doesn't explain why gravity is so much weaker than electromagnetism and the nuclear force.
This is true, and a more fundamental theory might be able to predict this based on more basic assumptions. But it will always stay an observation, and our theories are made to reflect this.
 

1. What is the current scientific explanation for gravity?

The current scientific explanation for gravity is the theory of general relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein in 1915. This theory states that gravity is the result of the warping of space and time by massive objects, such as planets and stars.

2. Is gravity a force or a phenomenon?

Gravity is considered to be a phenomenon rather than a force. In the theory of general relativity, gravity is not described as a force between masses, but rather as a curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of massive objects.

3. How does mass affect gravity?

The more massive an object is, the more it warps the fabric of spacetime, resulting in a stronger gravitational pull. This means that objects with larger masses will have a greater influence on the gravitational force experienced by other objects around them.

4. Can gravity be explained by quantum mechanics?

Currently, there is no widely accepted theory that explains gravity through quantum mechanics. However, some scientists are working on theories that attempt to unify gravity with the other three fundamental forces of nature described by quantum mechanics.

5. Is there a difference between gravity on Earth and in outer space?

The strength of gravity on an object depends on its mass and the distance from other massive objects. Therefore, the strength of gravity can vary in different locations. On Earth, the gravitational pull is stronger due to the planet's large mass, while in outer space, where there are fewer massive objects, the gravitational force is weaker.

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