Gravity vs. Magnetism: Pertaining to Celestial Bodies

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Difference between Gravity and Magnetism

Gravity and magnetism are two naturally occurring forces that do not have very much in common aside from their ability to attract objects. Beyond that, gravity and magnetism have their own unique properties and characteristics, as you will see form this comparison article.

Gravity
Magnetism

Definition

Gravity is a distinct force that exerts its influence on two or more objects no matter what they are made of. As long as all these objects have mass, gravity will work between them, pulling them toward each other if there is gravity present.

Magnetism on the other hand does not affect every object. This force is dependent on the specific properties of the different objects. Magnetism actually exerts its force in two directions: pulling objects toward each other or pulling them apart. This force is dependent on the alignment of electrons in the objects in question. This makes gravity quite distinct from gravity.

Sensitivity Of Other Objects

Gravity basically has an effect on every object that has mass. Magnetism on the other hand exerts its force on only a relatively few objects. In fact, there are many more non-magnetic objects on the planet than there are magnetically sensitive objects. Contrast that with gravity, which basically affects every single thing on Earth that has mass and you can see the clear difference between gravity and magnetism.

Where It Exists

Gravity is a property that is unique to celestial bodies. These include the stars, the planets, the sun, the moon, and even the larger asteroids. The infamous black holes are in fact the result of a dying star’s gravity being too much for it to handle–among other factors–causing stellar matter, and even light itself to collapse into its massive force. And it did all that while it was dying, so imagine just how much force it had in its prime!

Magnetism on the other hand can be found only in a select few objects. A few such objects are ferrous or iron-based in nature, and they have the ability to attract objects that are magnetically sensitive.

Similarities and Differences

Gravity

  • A distinct force that exerts its influence on two or more objects no matter what they are made of
  • Has an effect on every object that has mass
  • Unique to celestial bodies. These include the stars, the planets, the sun, the moon, and even the larger asteroids

Magnetism

  • Does not affect every object
  • Dependent on the specific properties of the different objects.
  • Exerts its force in two directions: pulling objects toward each other or pulling them apart.
  • Dependent on the alignment of electrons in the objects in question
  • Exerts its force on only a relatively few objects
  • There are many more non-magnetic objects on the planet than there are magnetically sensitive objects
  • Objects are ferrous in nature, and they have the ability to attract objects that are magnetically sensitive

 
 

comments 2 Comments

  • orien rigney . 3+ yrs. ago

Magnetism we can speak of in the present sense. There are many ways in which to describe and prove its actions. It pushes, pulls, unites and disconnects under conditions that generally deal with heat or ferrous content of the matter in question. This even goes down to sub/particles we can only visualize through prismatic acceptance. But we know this force, magnetism is real and can be manipulated in many ways. Gravity on the other hand is a mystery to be accepted because it works. And why does it work? That is also a part of the mystery. We simply don't know. Thank God Newton and Einstein gave us reason to believe that we would not fall off the end of the world, but merely get our heads cracked with an apple, a rock or stupidity. To postulate gravity as an entity without further proof is a terrible disservice to science? And while I can't prove gravity, the strong and weak forces are only minifestations and the product of natures single intrensic force, I believe magnetism will eventually prove to be just that.

  • Outsidelookinin . 3+ yrs. ago

I looked this up because of the strange black and white rock I found. I broke it apart and it seems to atract each other so I thought I found a rock with magnetic properties. So I pit it on the fridge and it fell off. I took a magnet off the Fridge to see what happens... Nothing . I pit the rocks back in my hand along with other small pieces and they all became attracted even my little gold necklace.. Please explain how can gold be magnetized when I have learned differently.. Is this magnetic or some strange gravitational Thingy going on!!!

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