2006-08-25 14:25:58 · 7 answers · asked by jes 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The density and size of mass determines its relative gravitational force not just size. A mass of gas the size of the earth would not have as much gravity.
Gravity is the result of compression.
more density =more compression=more relative gravity
Obviously, a larger mass comprised of matter of the same density is going to be more tightly compressed and will have a larger, more powerful gravitational field.
If the earth was the size of the sun, the compression at its core would be so great that the heat generated would cause it to be a sun.
2006-08-25 19:00:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because as we understand the universe at the moment, Einstein's model of spacetime works best.
In that model, imagine space as being a piece of rubber sheet. One mass rests on that sheet and "warps" space around it. If you can get just the right speed, it would be possible to put a smaller mass on the sheet and have it orbit the first mass in a manner similiar to how the earth orbits the sun.
So the reason the mass of a celestial body is important, is because that determines just how much it warps the space around it.
2006-08-25 14:34:24 · answer #2 · answered by Jonathen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because according to the Universal law of gravitation all matter exerts a gravitional pull equal to it's mass. This theory has been supported with observation but as with many things in science it is nearly impossible to prove beyond a theory of a doubt.
2006-08-25 14:29:03 · answer #3 · answered by maes_quest 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
According to Albert (and that's a pretty good source) the more mass the object, the greater it distorts and deforms the space surrounding it - and it's this distortion that puts wrinkles in time and the resulting gravitational field surrounding it. Mind boggling, eh?
2006-08-25 14:34:48 · answer #4 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure, but I'd say it has to do with the number of protons and neutrons which make up the attracting force of gravity. More mass would mean more atomic nuclei. The attraction of one nucleus is strong enogh to hold electrons in orbit, but many together give the material mass, and gravity is the result. The more nuclei, the greater the mass. the greater the mass, the stronger the gravity. I could be out to lunch on it all, but it seems logical.
2006-08-25 14:32:13 · answer #5 · answered by fishing66833 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because the bigger the mass, the more it warps spacetime, and this makes things fall toward them at a higher rate of acceleration.
That's the general idea, anyway.
Reality is probably much different, and simpler. Depends if you think gravity is a pull from the object, or a push from space......;-)
2006-08-25 14:30:06 · answer #6 · answered by auntiegrav 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
e=mc2
2006-08-25 14:29:05 · answer #7 · answered by kermit 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋