Can the force of gravity ever be measured on a single particle?

In summary, the force of gravity from a single atom is too weak to be measured, even when taking into account other factors. It is possible to measure the active gravitational mass of a macro sized object composed of a single element, but not of a single atom itself.
  • #1
Jarfi
384
12
I haven't taken the time, but I'm pretty sure the force would be too low to ever, ever be measurable. But has anyone ever measured the force of gravity, from at least an atom? I'm not meaning the effects of gravity upon the atom, I'm meaning the exertion of gravitational force from an atom, to another particle.

Say you have one hydrogen atom suspended in space, you put a detector with another particle in an electric field, at a distance, the particle would sway thorwards the atom, due to gravitation(other factors calculated and taken into account). How massive does an objective have to be until you can actually start measuring it's gravitational field?
 
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  • #2
Now the gravitation exerted from a single atom to another single atom is really very very negligible.
This is because gravity is proportional to mass or in other words mass has gravity but since gravity is the weakest force , it's effects are extremely small when one deals with such small mass as the mass of an single atom.

If you would measure that single atom in the gravitational field of a black hole or a huge star now that would be a different case.
 
  • #3
You are asking if the active gravitational mass of a singe atom has ever been measured. The short answer is no. As you have already speculated, the gravitational field produced by a single atom would be much too weak for any instrument to measure. However, it is possible to measure the active gravitational mass of a macro sized object composed of a single element.
 

Related to Can the force of gravity ever be measured on a single particle?

1. How do scientists measure the force of gravity on a single particle?

Scientists use specialized equipment such as an atomic force microscope or a mass spectrometer to measure the force of gravity on a single particle. These instruments use principles of mechanics and electromagnetism to detect the gravitational force acting on the particle and convert it into a measurable value.

2. Is it possible to accurately measure the force of gravity on a single particle?

Yes, it is possible to accurately measure the force of gravity on a single particle. However, due to the extremely small size of the particle and the inherent uncertainty in quantum mechanics, there may be some limitations to the precision of the measurement.

3. Does the force of gravity on a single particle follow the same laws as gravity on larger objects?

Yes, the force of gravity on a single particle follows the same laws as gravity on larger objects. This is known as the universal law of gravitation, which states that all objects with mass attract each other with a force proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

4. Can the force of gravity on a single particle ever be zero?

Yes, the force of gravity on a single particle can be zero if the particle is in a state of free fall or if it is located at the center of a large, spherically symmetric object such as a planet or star. In these scenarios, the gravitational force acting on the particle is balanced by other forces, resulting in a net force of zero.

5. How does measuring the force of gravity on a single particle contribute to our understanding of the universe?

Measuring the force of gravity on a single particle can provide valuable insights into the behavior of matter at a microscopic level. This information can help us better understand the fundamental forces and particles that govern our universe and contribute to our overall understanding of the laws of physics.

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