Gravity- it’s known as the “weakest fundamental force”, but we know the “attraction” is really just objects falling along the curvature of space toward a more massive object. I don’t understand how this explanation of gravity relates to the other fundamental forces.
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In everyday life, we still refer to gravity as a “force” because it’s a convenient way to understand its effects on objects around us. Newton’s law of universal gravitation, which describes gravity as a force of attraction between objects with mass, works very well for most everyday scenarios.
However, when we look at the universe on a larger scale or in extreme conditions, like near massive celestial bodies or at the speed of light, Einstein’s theory of General Relativity provides a more accurate description. According to General Relativity, gravity is not a force in the traditional sense but rather the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. This curvature influences how objects move and interact with each other.
The other fundamental forces (electromagnetic force, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force) are described by quantum mechanics, and they operate differently from gravity. They have their own unique properties and are responsible for various interactions between particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.
So, while gravity is different from the other fundamental forces, we still use the term “force” colloquially to help us understand its effects on everyday objects, even though it’s more accurately described as the curvature of spacetime.
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