Are the theory of gravity and theory of relativity true?

Question

I thought they are only theories and not facts

If theory of gravity is not a theory then theory of evolution is also not a theory. It has been happening for ages

Answer 1

No. We stay close to earth because of intelligent falling.

Answer 2

Yes and no.
Our theories on gravity, relativity, etc., provide mathematical models of aspects of the universe. They work so long as you apply them in cases in which they're relevant.

For everyday objects, you can use Newtonian physics. If you're traveling over vast distances or at a significant fraction of the speed of light, you need to use Relativistic physics. If you're dealing with the microscopically small, sub-atomic world, you need to use quantum physics.

These are all mature, tried and tested mathematical models. They're all used in a wide range of consumer and non-consumer products without fail.

The problem is, they don't always play nice with each other. For example, physicists aren't yet sure how to unify relativity and quantum mechanics (when dealing with objects that are both very fast and very small). This indicates that the underlying model of the universe used by these different sciences probably doesn't reflect the true nature of the universe.

This is to say Relativity and Quantum Mechanics are "wrong" in that they fail to see the big picture, since they can't be applied to every case. But for the cases for which they apply, they are phenomenally accurate.

Theoretical physicists are looking to new models, like string/M-theory, which may provide a better approximation of the universe. However, these new theories can't be tested until the equipment (mainly bigger particle accelerators) are available.

The bottom line is, though, you can take their predictions as fairly well-established fact, because even if we do find a better, unifying theory, that theory will necessarily agree with the predictions our existing theories.

Answer 3

From a christian forum:

just curious if anyone can explain these errors that many people are aware of when it comes to the theory of gravity

number 1. the way gravity reads, scientists have you think that objects of larger mass would have more of a gravitational pull then objects of smaller mass. so tell me how this makes sense

when we look at the sun we see the earth orbiting the sun, and the moon obriting the earth. if gravity were true, shouldnt our moon be orbiting the sun??? oh better yet, how come a planet way out in the distance such as neptune will orbit the sun, yet its moons will not orbit the sun??? something is wrong here, even at thise immense distances the moons will orbit the planets and not the sun, yet the suns "gravity" is strong enough supposedly to keep the planets in orbit.

number 2. why is it, only planets have orbits?? you could put a space shuttle in outter space and a astronaut will not orbit it. you could put the smallest pebbble into outter space and it will not orbit the space shuttle. why is this???? if gravity were true then surely such small objects would orbit larger ones, especially in space

number 3. on earth we see things that defy "gravity" on a daily basis. birds and airplanes for example. are you going to tell me that the gravity of the sun is strong enough to keep PLUTo in orbit but not an airplane or a little bird??????

number 4. scientists dont know how gravity works. or what it really is, and even then we see anaomolies in space that defy gravity


so my point is that gravity(like other scientifist "tHeories" is very on shaky grounds. it doesnt have the evidnece to back it up, and when examined critically it falls under the pressure(no pun intended )

show me a pebble that orbits a mountain or a bird that orbits the earth and then gravity will make sense. or better yet just show me how gravity works(if it works at all) and then maybe it will be more than just a theory

how do you evolutionsts explain gravity???

Answer 4

Gravity and Relativity are scientific theories that explain facts. According to the scientific method, they would be considered correct (true).

Scientific theories explains facts. A scientific fact is an observation made by men (note plural) independent of location. A scientific theory has been around for a long time is a scientific law. Theories and Laws explain facts. If more facts are found, the theory or law may be changed.

Answer 5

They are facts. They used to be theory a century ago. Like the theory of evolution. The basic principles are well established there is some bickering as to details. All this space technology would not be available on the grounds of a theory. They are fact unlike the god thing which is still theory.
PS to eldad you are totally clueless. None of the arguments stands. It is obvious you do not have any background in any science. It is also obvious that you know nothing about religion either.

Answer 6

No my friend gravity is a law, relativity is a law. Theories are not laws, but these my friends are natural laws. Evolution is a theory in part, some aspects of it are natural laws but other aspects of it are mere theory.

Gravity is a law, which is why they dubbed Newton's observations as Newton's law of Gravity. This EVERY PERSON is subject to and anyone can prove through their own experience. It is for everyone to SEE. What goes up must come down. lol wtf is wrong with you people.

Answer 7

for eldad9...a couple of things here. One...you either had a lousy high school science teacher...or you didnt pay close enough attention. If you are really sincere about wanting answers to your seemily paradox of facts...then I strongly urge you to take a refresher science class at your nearest high school or community college...because as a teacher...I know you dont have a working knowledge of science or else you would not have wrote such a silly, childish post. Unless of course your still in grade school, then I might understand. For real tho...you need to at least go to your local library and do some research...because you clearly have some mistaken ideas as to how things work in the natural world.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

A scientific theory is a collection of facts that are bound by a certain phenomena. This is not the same thing as a "theory" that is a guess or conjecture. It is a common misconception.

Answer 9

They are very solid theories and until proven otherwise, you can count on them. I also think we will find out a lot more about both of them in the future. Neither are as simple as they appear. We can only account for the makeup of about 35% of matter, this tells me, physics still has some hidden secrets!

Answer 10

They are theories. bloody good ones. they still call it a theory because the scientist have integrity. And dont call things to be known when they havent been able to observe the activity directly.

EDIT

To 'eldad9' below me
Gravity is not what moves the planet and moon. its what keeps them at that position. Momentum is different to gravity.

Answer 11

Gravity isn't a theory. Don't believe me? Go jump out a 4 story window and see if a force doesn't pull you down.