1
Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / How do we know that gravity is an attractive force?
« on: 21/11/2004 22:56:30 »
Can someone convince me that Gravity is not a pushing force.
It strikes me that gravity is a bit like air molecules, rushing about in all directions with probably an even distribution throughout the universe.
If 2 large objects (galaxies) for instance are a considerable distance apart these gravitons would act on them, pushing them further apart (maybe even at an accelerating rate). This being so, the gravitons must give up some of their energy to accelerate the galaxies. Thus the gravitons are slowed down by passing through a large object
On the otherhand, when 2 objects are close together (me standing on terra firma) the earth slows down the gravitons coming from below, so that the faster gravitons from above push me downwards.
It strikes me that gravity is a bit like air molecules, rushing about in all directions with probably an even distribution throughout the universe.
If 2 large objects (galaxies) for instance are a considerable distance apart these gravitons would act on them, pushing them further apart (maybe even at an accelerating rate). This being so, the gravitons must give up some of their energy to accelerate the galaxies. Thus the gravitons are slowed down by passing through a large object
On the otherhand, when 2 objects are close together (me standing on terra firma) the earth slows down the gravitons coming from below, so that the faster gravitons from above push me downwards.