Expert: Jayendra Upadhye - 6/21/2009

Question
Hello jayendra

I have a question about gravity. If i understand correctly gravity isn't well understood? But couldn't gravity be a process where magnetic fields are pulling at every electron in a mass?

Thanks

David


Answer
Hi,
No.
Reasons:-
1 - Magentic fields cause electrons to describe rotation in a plane at right angles to the direction of the magnetic field.
examples:- Hall effect & paths of electrons in the bubble chamber and the cyclotron. Amd the loops described by solar prominences.

2 - Hydrogen has 1 electron and 1 proton in its atom.
Helium has 2 neutrons, 2 protons, and 2 electrons.
If mass was the result of electron interactions with magnetic fields, heliun should be only twice as massive as hydrogen, but it is 4 times as massive! Thanks to the 2 neurons.

3 - the electron contributes negligibly to atomic weight. It is so light compared to the neutron and the proton.

3 - If what you say were true, alpha particles (bare helium nucleii) and loose neutrons would be massless!
Which is dar from true.

You see, when one comes up with gray areas in physics, one should give science its due.
The place we have reached now has not come due to idle speculation.
It is the result of the most harsh cross-checking, before any theory is considered valid.

Yes Gravity is not well understood. But do not under estimate that statement.
Hravity has been understood well enough for people to calculate orbits of comets, the rendezvous times of probes to distant planets etc.
The mechanics of gravity as a field is well understood.
The micro-cosmic reason why gravity acts the way it does (a weak field), is NOT understood.
But that does not mean every one should have a field day with theories like this. (dont worry, I do the same, but only tongue in cheek fashion), for I understand I am no einstein.
Unfortunately, most of us arent.

Be at peace with what science does not know, for it will know some day, for it is trying at least. Relihion on the other hand substitutes "faith" and arrogance for the truth.

regards
Jayen