Gravity
Gravity is the fundamental force of attraction between objects with mass, responsible for holding planets in orbit and shaping the large-scale structure of the universe.
Governing everything from a falling apple to the orbit of entire galaxies, this fundamental force remained mathematically described but not fully explained for over two centuries before a deeper theory finally emerged.
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
Isaac Newton formulated the mathematical description of gravity in 1687, showing that the same force governing falling objects on Earth also governs the motion of planets around the Sun.
Einstein's Deeper Explanation
Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, published in 1915, revealed gravity not as a simple force but as a curvature of spacetime caused by mass, a more complete description than Newton's original theory.
Gravity's Role in the Universe
Gravity is responsible for the large-scale structure of the universe, governing the formation of stars, galaxies, and planetary systems, and holding the Moon in orbit around Earth.
The Weakest Fundamental Force
Despite its obvious effects on large objects, gravity is actually the weakest of the four known fundamental forces of physics, though its influence extends over the greatest distances.
