- #1
Someone502
- 40
- 0
Does magnetism have any affect on gravity?
Magnetism & Gravity: Unravelling the Mysteries
In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between magnetism and gravity. While magnetism does not directly affect gravity, the energy stored in the magnetic field can make a system slightly heavier when the magnets are pulled apart. This is due to Einstein's formula E=mc^2 which states that energy is equivalent to mass. However, the increase in gravitational field is not significant enough to overcome the inverse square law and the effect of gravity is very weak compared to electromagnetism.
- #2
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,295
- 41
Not directly. However, two magnets weigh very slightly more when pulled apart than when stuck together, because of the energy stored in the magnetic field. In General Relativity, the most modern model of gravity, all forms of energy contribute to gravitational attraction.
- Warren
- Warren
- #3
PBRMEASAP
- 191
- 2
chroot said:
That is cool! I don't understand it, but it is cool. Why do they weigh more and not less?
- #4
joshuaw
- 24
- 0
Einstein's famous formula: E=mc^2. this is to say that energy is mass. This means that the energy in the magnetic fields makes the system heavier.
- #5
PBRMEASAP
- 191
- 2
joshuaw said:
Yes, that is true. It seems to me that if they are farther apart, the gravitational attraction (weight) would be less.
- #6
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,295
- 41
Think of this way: if you came across two magnets stuck together, would you have to expend energy to pull them apart? Of course, yes, you would have to put energy into the system to pull them apart. Therefore, the system contains more total energy when separated than when together. More energy = more gravitational attraction.
- Warren
- Warren
- #7
PBRMEASAP
- 191
- 2
I see. So the energy in the system has increased. Is this what you meant by "heavier"? Or will the increase in gravitational field overcome the inverse square law, actually making the magnets pull harder on each other?
- #8
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,295
- 41
Gravity is extremely weak compared to EM anyway, so it has little effect on the magnets. I was only comparing the gravitational attraction of the entire system, as measured by an outside observer.
The system (two magnets stuck together) weighs slightly less than the system (similar two magnets pulled apart).
- Warren
The system (two magnets stuck together) weighs slightly less than the system (similar two magnets pulled apart).
- Warren
- #9
PBRMEASAP
- 191
- 2
Thank you for the clarification. 
Related to Magnetism & Gravity: Unravelling the Mysteries
What is magnetism?
Magnetism is a fundamental force of nature that is responsible for the attractive or repulsive interactions between objects with magnetic fields. It is caused by the alignment of electrons in atoms, which creates a magnetic field around the object.
What is gravity?
Gravity is a fundamental force of nature that causes objects with mass to attract each other. It is the force that keeps us grounded on Earth and governs the motion of planets and other celestial bodies in the universe.
How do magnetism and gravity relate to each other?
Magnetism and gravity are both fundamental forces that govern the behavior of objects in the universe. While gravity affects objects with mass, magnetism affects objects with magnetic fields. The two forces are not directly related to each other, but they both play important roles in the structure and behavior of the universe.
What are some everyday examples of magnetism and gravity?
Some everyday examples of magnetism include refrigerator magnets, compasses, and magnetic levitation trains. Gravity can be observed in the falling of objects, the orbit of planets around the sun, and the tides caused by the moon's gravitational pull.
How do scientists study and understand magnetism and gravity?
Scientists use a variety of tools and techniques to study and understand magnetism and gravity. These include mathematical models, experiments, and observations of natural phenomena. They also use advanced technologies such as magnetometers and gravitational wave detectors to measure and study these forces in detail.
Similar threads
-
Special and General Relativity
-
Special and General Relativity
-
Special and General Relativity
-
Special and General Relativity
-
Special and General Relativity
-
Special and General Relativity
-
Special and General Relativity
-
Special and General Relativity
-
Special and General Relativity