- Nov 14, 2003
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Originally posted by: labrat25
gravity is a theory... it works 99% of the time, but that exception (for very small scale interactions) makes it a theory
Originally posted by: labrat25
gravity is a theory... it works 99% of the time, but that exception (for very small scale interactions) makes it a theory
Originally posted by: Bootprint
Isn't it a law with with a theory on the exact rules behind it.
Actually, we don't know exactly how it works.Originally posted by: Torghn
Originally posted by: Bootprint
Isn't it a law with with a theory on the exact rules behind it.
Yeah, I'd say it's a law, we know exactly how it works. The question or theory is why does it work the way it does.
Originally posted by: Jzero
Originally posted by: labrat25
gravity is a theory... it works 99% of the time, but that exception (for very small scale interactions) makes it a theory
We should review the scientific definitions of "law" and "theory" then.
Take a look at this
A scientific law doesn't get "demoted" to a theory when an exception surfaces.
Originally posted by: labrat25
Originally posted by: Jzero
Originally posted by: labrat25
gravity is a theory... it works 99% of the time, but that exception (for very small scale interactions) makes it a theory
We should review the scientific definitions of "law" and "theory" then.
Take a look at this
A scientific law doesn't get "demoted" to a theory when an exception surfaces.
"Within most fields of study, and in science in particular, the elevation of some principle of that field to the status of "law" usually takes place after a very long time during which the principle is used and tested and verified" -from your source
ex. exceptions to gravity (ie. when the verification has failed) the gravitation between very small particles, like atomic or sub-atomic particles
the law of gravitation (Newton) is less of a law than the theory of gravitation (Einstein)
Originally posted by: Triumph
Gravity isn't fully understood, which is why I chose theory. We don't know exactly why light rays bend when passing by an interstellar body. We know that it's due to gravity, but photons are massless, so it doesn't fit the traditional Fg = Gm1m2/r^2 equation or the relativistic equivalent equation. We know it happens due to gravity, but we don't know why it happens. There are also some things having to do with black holes and gravity that we don't understand; I have to look up my notes when i get home.
Originally posted by: DrPizza
There are 4 forces in nature.
Of those 4: gravity, strong, weak, and electomagnetic,
gravity is the LEAST understood.
(and the weakest of the 4 forces)