Why can't gravity be modeled as a frictional force?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conceptual comparison of gravity and friction, specifically questioning why gravity cannot be modeled as a frictional force. Participants explore the nature of gravitational force, its effects on objects, and the implications of such a model in various scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that weight, as a gravitational force, could be modeled similarly to friction in resisting horizontal movement, noting that heavier objects require more force to move.
  • Another participant points out that gravitational force is classified as a conservative force, contrasting it with non-conservative frictional forces.
  • A different participant emphasizes that gravity is not a contact force, which may imply limitations in modeling it as friction.
  • A later reply questions the effectiveness of the proposed model in predicting planetary motion under gravity's influence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of gravity and its comparison to friction, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of modeling gravity as a frictional force, and there are unresolved questions regarding the definitions and characteristics of both forces.

Ing3nium
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Hey there, I'm new! :D

The weight, which is mass according to the gravity, and this scalar force keeps the object on to the ground, and if a force pushes the object horizontally, then why can't be the mass according to the gravity (weight) be modeled as a frictional force resisting the horizontal movement? Of course, a tank requires more force because its mass according to the gravity (weight) is greater than a mobile phone, since its weight absorbs all the movement.

And also, if the object is sitting on the ground, and that the gravitational force is canceled out by the equal and opposite force by the ground, then WHY do we feel the weight of the object if we put it on our hands?

Was experimenting with a pendulum, and thought that gravity WOULD stop the motion eventually.

Thanks...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Gravitational force is a conservative force, and frictional forces are non-conservative.
 
Gravity is not a contact force.
 
How effectively does your model predict how the planets move in their orbits under the influence of gravity?
 

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