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In physics, gravity (from Latin gravitas 'weight' [1]) is a fundamental interaction primarily observed as a mutual attraction between all things that have mass.Gravity is, by far, the weakest of the four fundamental interactions, approximately 10 38 times weaker than the strong interaction, 10 36 times weaker than the electromagnetic force, and 10 29 times weaker than the weak interaction.
Reconciliation of general relativity with the laws of quantum physics remains a problem, however, as there is a lack of a self-consistent theory of quantum gravity. It is not yet known how gravity can be unified with the three non-gravitational forces: strong, weak and electromagnetic.
Before Newton’s law of gravity, there were many theories explaining gravity. Philoshophers made observations about things falling down − and developed theories why they do – as early as Aristotle who thought that rocks fall to the ground because seeking the ground was an essential part of their nature. [6]
Gravity: It is currently unexplained in the Standard Model, as the hypothetical mediating particle graviton has been proposed, but not observed. [42] This is due to the incompatibility of quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of general relativity , regarded as being the best explanation for gravity.
Roman engineer and architect Vitruvius (c. 85 – c. 15 BC) contends in his De architectura that gravity is not dependent on a substance's weight but rather on its 'nature' (cf. specific gravity): If the quicksilver is poured into a vessel, and a stone weighing one hundred pounds is laid upon it, the stone swims on the surface, and cannot ...
Scientists want to define the kilogram by gravity—and not just electricity. Here’s why correctly quantifying mass is more important than you think.
The most familiar conservative forces are gravity, the electric force (in a time-independent magnetic field, see Faraday's law), and spring force. Many forces (particularly those that depend on velocity) are not force fields. In these cases, the above three conditions are not mathematically equivalent.
The equivalence between gravitational and inertial effects does not constitute a complete theory of gravity. When it comes to explaining gravity near our own location on the Earth's surface, noting that our reference frame is not in free fall, so that fictitious forces are to be expected, provides a suitable explanation. But a freely falling ...