The attraction between objects is explained by the fundamental force of gravity. Gravity is a natural phenomenon that causes all objects with mass or energy to be drawn toward one another.
For those who are interested in more details
The attraction between all objects can be explained by the fundamental force of gravity. Gravity, as famously stated by Sir Isaac Newton, is a force that acts between all objects with mass or energy. It is a universal force that governs the motion of celestial bodies and shapes the structure of the universe.
Gravity is not only responsible for the phenomenon of attraction between objects on Earth, such as the falling of an apple from a tree, but also for the motion of planets, stars, galaxies, and even the expansion of the universe itself. It is a force that operates at both macroscopic and microscopic levels, holding galaxies together and determining the dynamics of subatomic particles.
Interesting facts about gravity:
- Galileo Galilei was one of the first scientists to extensively study gravity. Legend has it that he dropped objects of different masses from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to demonstrate that they all fell at the same rate.
- The famous equation for calculating the force of gravity was formulated by Sir Isaac Newton in his book “Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy” published in 1687. The equation, F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, relates the force of gravity (F) between two objects to their masses (m1 and m2) and the distance between them (r).
- Gravity is an extremely weak force compared to other fundamental forces, such as electromagnetism. For example, a small magnet can overcome the gravitational pull of an entire planet.
- The shape of celestial bodies, such as planets and stars, is directly influenced by gravity. The force of gravity pulls matter inward, resulting in a spherical shape.
- Gravity is not only attractive but also responsible for tidal forces. The gravitational interaction between the Moon and Earth causes ocean tides, giving rise to the ebb and flow of the sea.
To further illustrate the fascinating nature of gravity, here is a table highlighting the relative strengths of the fundamental forces:
| Fundamental Force | Relative Strength compared to Gravity |
|---|---|
| Strong Nuclear | 100 |
| Electromagnetic | 10^36 |
| Weak Nuclear | 10^25 |
| Gravity | 1 |
As Richard Feynman, an eminent physicist, once said, “Gravity is a very weak force and really a rather difficult one to study. Unless you have something nice and heavy like a planet, you have to be very clever.” Indeed, gravity’s intricacies continue to capture the imagination of scientists and philosophers alike as they delve deeper into its mysteries.
There are other opinions
Gravitational Force Sir Isaac Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation states that the force of gravity is present everywhere in the known Universe and affects all objects or particles. Gravitational forces create an attraction between every two objects or particles, drawing them towards each other.
gravity, also called gravitation, in mechanics, the universal force of attraction acting between all matter. It is by far the weakest known force in nature and thus plays no role in determining the internal properties of everyday matter.
Gravity causes attraction between all objects. Every mass attracts every other mass. That means you are gravitationally attracted to your friend, your pet, and even your pizza. The variable r r is the distance between the centers of mass. We measure the distance between the objects from their centers, not their surfaces.
Gravity is a force of attraction that exists between any two masses, any two bodies, any two particles. Gravity is not just the attraction between objects and the Earth. It is an attraction that exists between all objects, everywhere in the universe.
In physics, gravity (from Latin gravitas ‘weight’) is a fundamental interaction which causes mutual attraction between all things that have mass.
Gravity is a force of attraction that exists between any two masses, any two bodies, any two particles. Gravity is not just the attraction between objects and the Earth. It is an attraction that exists between all objects, everywhere in the universe.
Gravity is a force of attraction that exists between any two masses, any two bodies, any two particles. Gravity is not just the attraction between objects and the Earth.
Well technically it is.
Let me explain: See every object that has mass has a gravitational pull/effect. However, in this situation, many factors are preventing the pencil from jumping off your desk and hitting your face.
1. The first one would be the earth’s gravity, the pencil is also being pulled towards an object with a much larger mass, so naturally, the pull is going to be stronger and more noticeable.
2. The next one would be friction; there is resistance between the pencil and the desk, there is resistance in the air, there is pretty much resistance everywhere.
3. The third one would be your mass. Your mass is nowhere near large enough to create a gravitational pull strong enough to move a pencil from a desk.
In conclusion, we can say that you are going to have to gain a lot of weight if you want to use the “force” to move a pencil.The answer by “Francesco Iovine” is better if you would like more equations.
Associated video
This video provides a simple explanation of gravity, including its effects on objects and its relation to the law of gravity. The video also explores the differences in views of gravity from Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. The findings of gravity research have potential implications that are also discussed.