What is gravity?

[Impaler[WrG]]

Actually, on a galactic scale, gravity is very strong because the other forces don't propagate well over long distances. That's why galaxies and stars and the like are able to form. On the smaller scale, the strong nuclear force and electromagnetism are much more relevant (and powerful).

No gravity and Electromagnetism have the same inverse square law drop off in force with distance. Electromagnetic force is millions of times stronger then gravity (for example a refrigerator magnet can exert more force on a paper clip then the gravity of the entire planet). Gravity has really only one thing going for it though, it always attracts so large masses exert huge fields, ware as most charged particles are mixed in such a way (atoms or opposing fields) as to render electromagnetism irrelevant on galactic scales (at least thats what we think). The nuclear forces are indeed very different and act over very short distances and in very counter intuitive ways (like getting stronger with distance instead of weaker).

Given that I don't see why Gravity must be explained by multidimensional weirdness if Electromagnetism doesn't need it? Or do we even understand that fully either? I doubt it.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by Impaler[WrG]
most charged particles are mixed in such a way (atoms or opposing fields) as to render electromagnetism irrelevant on galactic scales (at least thats what we think).

Who's the we you refer to, and irrelevant in respect of what? It's known that electromagnetic fields have huge effects on galactic scales.

[Ramo]

Given that I don't see why Gravity must be explained by multidimensional weirdness if Electromagnetism doesn't need it? Or do we even understand that fully either? I doubt it.

Basically, it's harder to hide infinities in quantum field theories that deal with gravity (in the jargon, are not "renormalizable").

[SpencerH]

A thick sauce made with flour, water, and the rendered fat usually from an oven roasted joint of meat.

[Lorizael]

Originally posted by Impaler[WrG]
No gravity and Electromagnetism have the same inverse square law drop off in force with distance.

This can't possibly be true as I'm never wrong.

Electromagnetic force is millions of times stronger then gravity (for example a refrigerator magnet can exert more force on a paper clip then the gravity of the entire planet). Gravity has really only one thing going for it though, it always attracts so large masses exert huge fields, ware as most charged particles are mixed in such a way (atoms or opposing fields) as to render electromagnetism irrelevant on galactic scales (at least thats what we think).

That's what I said!

The nuclear forces are indeed very different and act over very short distances and in very counter intuitive ways (like getting stronger with distance instead of weaker).

Now you're getting it.

Given that I don't see why Gravity must be explained by multidimensional weirdness if Electromagnetism doesn't need it? Or do we even understand that fully either? I doubt it.

Yes.

[Theben]

Originally posted by SpencerH
A thick sauce made with flour, water, and the rendered fat usually from an oven roasted joint of meat.

I already made that joke, and no one laughed at it either.

[SpencerH]

Originally posted by Theben


I already made that joke, and no one laughed at it either.

Thats cos physicsers live in an alternative (humourless) reality.

[Lancer]

Not true! We are very humorful.

Here ya go...

A spherical chicken in a vacuum!

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by Theben


I already made that joke, and no one laughed at it either.

I laughed when Japher wrote it. It's all about timing.