Cause of Gravitation: What Is It?

In summary, the cause of gravitation according to classical physics is mass. However, the question of why mass causes gravitation remains unanswered in this field. To explore this further, one may need to visit the "Special & General Relativity" forum, as the curvature of spacetime in General Relativity offers an explanation for gravity.
  • #1
aqua_s
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What is the cause of Gravitation?
 
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  • #2
Hi!

I remind you that you are in "Physics Forums > Physics > Classical Physics".
In classical physics the cause of gravitation is mass.
Why mass causes gravitation is not answered by classical physics.

Allow me to ask you a question,

why there is light?

i.e. electromagnetic waves.
 
  • #3
gomunkul51 said:
Why mass causes gravitation is not answered by classical physics.

Since answering questions like this must be strictly forbidden in the wrong forum, which section might one need to visit to have the aforementioned question answered...?
 
  • #4
According to current generally-accepted understanding, gravity is "explained" by the curvature of spacetime in General Relativity, which is not considered to be part of "classical physics." See instead our "Special & General Relativity" forum.
 
  • #5


The cause of gravitation is a fundamental force of nature that is responsible for the attraction between objects with mass. This force is described by the theory of general relativity, which states that the presence of mass and energy warps the fabric of space-time, causing objects to be drawn towards each other. This warping of space-time is known as gravity.

In simpler terms, the cause of gravitation can be understood as the result of the curvature of space-time created by the presence of mass. The greater the mass of an object, the stronger its gravitational pull. This is why larger objects, such as planets and stars, have a stronger gravitational force than smaller objects.

The understanding of gravitation has been greatly advanced through scientific research and experiments, such as the famous apple falling from a tree observed by Sir Isaac Newton. Today, the laws of gravitation are a crucial component of our understanding of the universe and have been verified through various observations and experiments.

In conclusion, the cause of gravitation is a fundamental force of nature that is a result of the curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass. It is a crucial aspect of our understanding of the universe and plays a significant role in the motion of celestial bodies and the functioning of our daily lives.
 

FAQ: Cause of Gravitation: What Is It?

What is gravitation?

Gravitation is a natural phenomenon by which all objects with mass are brought towards one another. It is also known as gravity.

Who discovered the cause of gravitation?

The cause of gravitation was first described by Sir Isaac Newton in his theory of universal gravitation in 1687.

What is the cause of gravitation according to Newton's theory?

According to Newton's theory, the cause of gravitation is the force of attraction between two objects with mass. This force is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

Has there been any other theories proposed for the cause of gravitation?

Yes, there have been other theories proposed such as Einstein's theory of general relativity which explains gravitation as the curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass and energy.

How does the cause of gravitation affect our daily lives?

The cause of gravitation affects our daily lives by keeping us grounded on Earth, allowing objects to stay in orbit around the Earth, and causing tides in the ocean. It also plays a crucial role in the formation and movement of celestial bodies in the universe.

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