Is gravitational attraction finite?

In summary, the theories of both Newton and Einstein suggest that gravity has an infinite reach, but the strength of the gravitational field decreases as distance increases. This means that there is no such thing as completely flat, empty spacetime, as even seemingly empty space is filled with some form of matter. However, the concept of flat spacetime can still be useful for certain calculations and simplifications.
  • #1
Codester09
32
0
Is there a distance where the curvature in spacetime created by an object's mass ends? Is it a finite gravity well or does the curvature just get infinitely weaker?
 
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  • #2
Both Newton's and Einstein's theories of gravity, as far as I know, give a gravity field that extends infinitely, approaching 0 as the distance approaches infinity.
 
  • #3
So if gravitational attraction is infinite, does that mean there is no such thing as flat, empty spacetime? Is all spacetime warped in some way or another?
 
  • #4
There's not even such thing as empty space. Look around you at night - space is filled with stuff.

However, that doesn't mean that flat spacetime is not a useful idealization, like a frictionless plane or a stretchless rope.
 
  • #5
Yea empty probably wasn't the best word choice. I meant a region of spacetime unaffected by any objects/their gravitational pull.
 
  • #6
I'd imagine that there must be a point in space where the sum of gravitational components is 0. but for the sake of your question,there is no where in space unaffected by a force.
 

Related to Is gravitational attraction finite?

1. Is gravitational attraction between two objects affected by their distance?

Yes, gravitational attraction is affected by the distance between two objects. The force of gravitational attraction decreases as the distance between the two objects increases. This is known as the inverse-square law, which means that the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects.

2. Is there a limit to the strength of gravitational attraction?

According to our current understanding of physics, there is no limit to the strength of gravitational attraction. The force of gravity can become infinitely strong as the distance between two objects approaches zero. However, as the objects get closer, other factors such as quantum effects come into play and our current understanding of gravity breaks down.

3. Can gravitational attraction exist between objects that are not in direct contact?

Yes, gravitational attraction can exist between objects that are not in direct contact. This is known as action-at-a-distance, where objects can exert a force on each other without physically touching. Gravitational attraction is a perfect example of this phenomenon as it can act between objects that are millions of miles apart.

4. Is gravitational attraction a universal force?

Yes, gravitational attraction is a universal force. This means that it acts between all objects with mass in the universe. Even small objects, such as atoms, exert a tiny gravitational force on each other. This is why gravity is such a dominant force in the universe, shaping the movements of planets, stars, and galaxies.

5. Can gravitational attraction be shielded or cancelled out?

No, gravitational attraction cannot be shielded or cancelled out. Unlike other forces, such as electromagnetism, there is no known way to block or negate the effects of gravity. Even objects with no mass, such as light photons, are affected by gravity. However, the effects of gravity can be counteracted by other forces, such as the centrifugal force of a spinning object.

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