Why is Gravity Weak? Understanding the Fundamental Forces and Magnetism

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of gravity and how it relates to the repulsion of two magnets. The Earth's gravity is weaker compared to other fundamental forces due to its ability to propagate into other dimensions. However, the reason for the difference in magnitude between the fundamental forces is still unknown. Additionally, it is mentioned that gravity is not the main force that holds structures like skyscrapers together, but rather electrostatic bonds between atoms.
  • #1
TimeRip496
254
5
Why am I able to repel two liked poles magnet despite the presence of Earth gravity? The Earth gravity is able to hold skyscrapers together but yet unable to prevent two magnets from repelling?

I know there is an explanation that says that unlike graviton, all the other fundamental forces are bound to the brane. Thus gravity is able to propagate into other dimensions resulting in what we experience the weaker gravity force.
I don't really get this but is there other way to explain?
 
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  • #2
There is a very similar current thread that you might want to look at.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/why-do-we-believe-gravity-to-be-a-weak-force.822059

Don't count on brane theory as having anything to with it, or any other theory involving higher dimensions.
Mathematical models of that sort exist but have not been experimentally verified in any way.

We don't yet know why the fundamental forces are different in magnitude, it's work in progress.

Also gravity is not the main force involved in keeping a skyscraper together, electrostatic bonds between atoms do that.
If you somehow teleport the skyscraper into interstellar space it will not suddenly disintegrate.
 
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  • #3
Best answer from the other thread:
Chalnoth said:
If you take two protons, the electrostatic repulsion between them will be some 1040 or so times stronger than their gravitational attraction. Gravity becomes significant at large scales only because the positive and negative electric charges cancel one another out, while gravity always adds.
In other words, in a universe full of only protons, or with stars made of protons and planets made of electrons, electromagnetism would dominate. But since the universe has a near equal number of protons and electons, those forces cancel out over very short distances whereas gravity always adds.
 
  • #4
A number of off topic posts and replies to these posts have been deleted. I remind all members to please stay on topic.
 

1. Why is gravity weaker compared to other fundamental forces?

Gravity is weaker compared to other fundamental forces because it is a long-range force. This means that its influence decreases with distance, making it appear weak when compared to other forces that act at a shorter range. Additionally, gravity is the only fundamental force that has not yet been unified with the other three forces, making it appear weaker in the context of unified theories.

2. How does the mass of an object affect the strength of gravity?

The mass of an object does not directly affect the strength of gravity. Instead, the strength of gravity is determined by the mass of both objects and the distance between them. The larger the masses and the closer together they are, the stronger the force of gravity between them will be.

3. Why do objects with larger masses have a greater gravitational force?

Objects with larger masses have a greater gravitational force because they have a greater amount of gravitational pull. This means that they are able to attract other objects with a stronger force, which is directly proportional to their mass.

4. Is it possible for gravity to be stronger?

Yes, it is possible for gravity to be stronger. In fact, gravity is stronger in objects with a larger mass, such as planets and stars. However, on a larger scale, gravity appears weak because of its long-range nature and because it is not yet unified with the other fundamental forces.

5. How does the strength of gravity affect the behavior of objects in space?

The strength of gravity is a key factor in determining the behavior of objects in space. It is responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the sun, and for the formation of galaxies. The strength of gravity also plays a role in the motion of celestial bodies, such as the way moons orbit around planets and the way stars orbit around each other in binary systems.

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