Why does everything in the Universe form a ball or Sphere?

In summary: Gravity is the cause of everything in the universe forming a ball or sphere. Gravity is also a ball or sphere and can we grasp and see it?
  • #1
blackstar5000
5
0
I want to know why everything in the universe forms a Ball or Sphere? Is gravity the cause of this? If so why? For example, If we were to pick the sphere apart can we see the source of gravity? Is gravity also a ball or sphere and can we grasp and see it? Why do we not ever see square planets or hexagon shaped stars etc...? Sorry, I am new to the forum and I tend to ask strange questions.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Planets and stars are round because their gravitational field acts as though it originates from the center of the body and pulls everything toward it. With its large body and internal heating a planet or star behaves like a fluid, and over long periods of time succumbs to the gravitational pull from its center of gravity. The only way to get all the mass as close to planet's center of gravity as possible is to form a sphere.

With much smaller bodies, such as the 20-kilometer asteroids the gravitational pull is too weak to overcome the asteroid's mechanical strength. As a result, these bodies do not form spheres. Rather they maintain irregular, fragmentary shapes.
 
  • #3
A sphere has the lowest possible surface area required to bound any given volume.
 
  • #4
Chronos said:
A sphere has the lowest possible surface area required to bound any given volume.

Therefore, it is the most energy-efficient configuration.
 
  • #5
Are there more energy efficient shapes? Spheres seem to be the most common of course but the universe is a big place and we have much searching to do, is it possible that we find or someone comes up with a shape more efficient than a sphere? Not saying that it is but for example Leonardo's 72 sided figure? What would be the implications of finding this out sort of like aerodynamics but for energy conservation?
 
  • #6
I believe differential calculus will tell us that a sphere is the most efficient shape. The taller the mountain gets, the heavier it gets, which means at some point it won't be able to support itself and crash to the surface
 
  • #7
Right, any other shape is just going to be a spherical planet with some really weird mountains on it. And if there's any kind of disturbance that knocks a piece off, regardless of whether its weather, tectonic activity, meteor impacts, the result is going to be that pieces roll downhill. Give it enough time, and you get a sphere (that's flattened a bit because of its rotation).
 

1. Why do celestial bodies like planets and stars form into spheres?

Celestial bodies form into spheres because of the effects of gravity. As matter begins to accumulate in one area, its own gravitational pull causes it to collapse and form a spherical shape. This is the most efficient way for the mass to distribute its own gravitational force.

2. Why do water droplets form into spheres?

Water droplets form into spheres because of the surface tension of water. Surface tension is the result of the cohesive forces between water molecules, causing them to stick together and form a spherical shape. This is the most stable and energy-efficient shape for water molecules to take.

3. Why do soap bubbles form into spheres?

Soap bubbles form into spheres because of the same principle of surface tension. The soap molecules in the bubble solution reduce the surface tension of water, allowing the air trapped inside to push outwards and form a spherical shape. This is the most stable and energy-efficient shape for the air molecules in the bubble.

4. Why do atoms and molecules tend to form into spherical shapes?

Atoms and molecules tend to form into spherical shapes because of the repulsive forces between electrons. These negative charges repel each other, causing the electron cloud to distribute evenly around the nucleus and form a spherical shape. This is the most stable and energy-efficient arrangement for the electrons in an atom or molecule.

5. Why do large structures in the Universe, such as galaxies, also form into spherical shapes?

Large structures in the Universe, such as galaxies, form into spherical shapes because of the gravitational forces between stars and other celestial bodies. As these structures form, their own gravity pulls them into a spherical shape, just like how planets and stars are formed. This is the most efficient way for the mass to distribute its own gravitational force.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
933
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
19
Views
1K
Replies
29
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
600
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • General Discussion
Replies
18
Views
939
Back
Top