Why can't gravity be modeled as a frictional force?

[Ing3nium]

Hey there, I'm new! :D

The weight, which is mass according to the gravity, and this scalar force keeps the object on to the ground, and if a force pushes the object horizontally, then why can't be the mass according to the gravity (weight) be modeled as a frictional force resisting the horizontal movement? Of course, a tank requires more force because its mass according to the gravity (weight) is greater than a mobile phone, since its weight absorbs all the movement.

And also, if the object is sitting on the ground, and that the gravitational force is canceled out by the equal and opposite force by the ground, then WHY do we feel the weight of the object if we put it on our hands?

Was experimenting with a pendulum, and thought that gravity WOULD stop the motion eventually.

Thanks...

 

[Tosh5457]

Gravitational force is a conservative force, and frictional forces are non-conservative.

 

[WannabeNewton]

Gravity is not a contact force.

 

[Nugatory]

How effectively does your model predict how the planets move in their orbits under the influence of gravity?

 

[PJC01]

Hello! Welcome to the scientific community.

To answer your question, gravity cannot be modeled as a frictional force because it is a completely different type of force. Friction is a force that resists motion between two surfaces that are in contact with each other. It is caused by the microscopic roughness of the surfaces and the interlocking of their irregularities. On the other hand, gravity is a force of attraction between two masses. It is caused by the mass of the objects and the distance between them.

While both friction and gravity involve forces, they act in very different ways and have different causes. Friction is a contact force that only occurs when two surfaces are in contact with each other, while gravity is a non-contact force that can act over large distances.

Additionally, gravity is a fundamental force that is a fundamental part of our understanding of the universe. It cannot be explained or modeled solely as a frictional force. Friction is just one type of force that can act on an object, while gravity is a universal force that affects all objects with mass.

As for your question about feeling the weight of an object in our hands, this is due to the force of gravity pulling the object towards the center of the Earth. Even though the ground is providing an equal and opposite force to cancel out the gravitational force, we still feel the weight of the object because our hands are also experiencing the same force from the object.

Lastly, in regards to your experiment with the pendulum, gravity will never stop acting on an object. It is a constant force that is always present, and it is what keeps the pendulum in motion. The motion may eventually slow down due to other factors such as air resistance or friction, but gravity will always be acting on the pendulum.

I hope this helps to clarify why gravity cannot be modeled as a frictional force. Keep exploring and asking questions, that's what being a scientist is all about!