MadSci Network: Astronomy
Query:

Subject: Gravitational force equation: how convenient. Why?

Date: Tue Jan 16 20:32:50 2001
Posted by David
Grade level: grad (non-science) School: MTU
City: No city entered. State/Province: MI Country: USA
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 979695170.As
Message:

The equation that describes the magnitude of the gravitational force 
between two objects (thanks, Sir Isaac Newton) is rather simple:  F = (m1 
* m1 * G)/d^2. My question can probably be asked of any number of 
equations that describe the properties of our universe, but I'll choose 
that one. Why do you suppose the equation IS that simple? In an 
indifferently created universe wouldn't you think that it is more likely 
that the formula would be something like  F = (m1 * m2 * G)/d^2.00017094 
or F = (m1 * m2 * G)/log3.1(77.9383001)? Or is the gravitational constant, 
G, the 'fudge' factor I'm looking for? In all the speculated possible 
universes, did we just get lucky that ours can be described in a 
relatively straightforward manner?


Re: Gravitational force equation: how convenient. Why?

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