How does gravity work

Gravity is the fundamental force that governs the attraction between objects with mass or energy. It is described by Albert Einstein's theory of General Relativity, which provides a comprehensive understanding of how gravity works. Here's a simplified explanation of how gravity operates:

1. Spacetime Curvature: According to General Relativity, mass and energy curve the fabric of spacetime. Think of spacetime as a four-dimensional "fabric" that can be distorted by massive objects. The presence of mass or energy causes spacetime to curve around it, similar to how a heavy ball placed on a stretched rubber sheet would cause the sheet to curve around it.

2. Geodesics: Objects with mass or energy move along paths known as geodesics in this curved spacetime. These paths are the shortest distance between two points in curved spacetime. The curvature of spacetime caused by mass or energy determines the shape of these paths.

3. Attraction between Objects: When two objects with mass or energy are near each other, they follow these geodesics in spacetime. However, because spacetime is curved around each object, their paths deviate toward each other. This deviation in their paths results in an apparent force of attraction between the objects, which we perceive as gravity.

4. Inverse Square Law: Gravity follows an inverse square law, which means that the force of gravity weakens with distance according to the square of the distance between the objects. As objects move farther apart, the gravitational force between them decreases rapidly.

5. Mass and Energy Equivalence: According to Einstein's famous equation, E=mc², mass and energy are interchangeable. Therefore, any form of energy, including kinetic energy, contributes to the curvature of spacetime and thus to gravity. This principle is crucial for understanding phenomena like gravitational lensing, where light bends around massive objects due to their gravitational influence.

In summary, gravity is a consequence of the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. Objects with mass or energy follow curved paths in spacetime, leading to an apparent force of attraction between them. This understanding of gravity provided by General Relativity has been extensively tested and confirmed through observations and experiments.