gravitation
noun
How to pronounce gravitation?
The word gravitation sounds like grav-i-ta-tion
/,grævɪ'teɪʃən/
What is the definition of gravitation?
noun(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface
Examples
- the gravitation between two bodies is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them
- gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love
nouna figurative movement toward some attraction
Examples
- the gravitation of the middle class to the suburbs
nounmovement downward resulting from gravitational attraction
Examples
- irrigation by gravitation rather than by pumps
What is gravitation?
- Gravitation is a natural phenomenon by which all objects with mass attract each other.
- It is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, alongside electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force.
Who first formulated the law of gravitation?
- Sir Isaac Newton formulated the law of universal gravitation in 1687.
What is the formula for the law of gravitation?
- The formula is F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where F is the force between two objects, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, and r is the distance between their centers.
What are some effects of gravitation?
- Gravitation causes objects to fall towards the Earth, keeps planets in orbit around stars, and governs the motion of galaxies and the universe as a whole.
Is gravitation the same as gravity?
- Yes, gravitation is often used interchangeably with gravity, but gravity specifically refers to the force of attraction exerted by mass.
How does gravitation affect everyday life?
- Gravitation keeps us grounded on Earth, influences tides, and affects the movement of celestial bodies, playing a crucial role in many natural phenomena.
What is the significance of Einstein's theory of general relativity in gravitation?
- Einstein's general relativity describes gravity not as a force but as a curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy, providing a more comprehensive understanding especially in strong gravitational fields.
Are there any recent discoveries related to gravitation?
- Recent discoveries include the detection of gravitational waves by LIGO in 2015, confirming a key prediction of Einstein's theory and opening new avenues for studying cosmic phenomena.
What is the gravitational constant?
- The gravitational constant, denoted by G, is a fundamental physical constant approximately equal to 6.674×10^-11 N·(m/kg)^2, used in the law of gravitation.
Can gravitation be unified with other fundamental forces?
- Scientists are working towards a theory of quantum gravity, which aims to unify gravitation with the other three fundamental forces, but such a theory has not yet been fully developed.