Question by Aaron T: Could gravity be electrical potential energy between celestial bodies?
Such as a low low amount of Electrical potential energy that works only because of a compounding effect from the sheer mass and volume of the celestial body. I know that non-conductive materials can still build up electrical potential energy and be affected by static cling. I do know about the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force somewhat. I do not have a thorough understanding of physics concepts though. Still I ask these questions because some of the ideas I have had I end up finding out someone else has had success with. I had a very similar idea to the VASIMR before I knew it existed, so please entertain this idea a bit.
Wow okay, can’t believe I overlooked that. I know gravity is an ever attracting force, I’ve just been theorizing in my spare time and that came to me. But now I know to look elsewhere instead of wasting my time. I read and think a lot so I’ll probably be back here with another question.
At Bart Hennin thanks for your more in-depth explanation. I already knew how the VASIMR worked, I was just pointing out that I had a very similar idea using microwaves to generate plasma to increase the specific impulse. I came up with it in high school after watching a few videos about generating plasma in a microwave oven back in 2006. Later I found out someone had already came up with the idea back in 1977. My friends and teachers thought it was a crazy idea that sounded stupid so I just pointed out the VASIMR in hopes of dissuading people from outright ridiculing the thought. Of course I hadn’t realized that I overlooked the polar nature of the electric force. To wind this up, my idea lately is a gravity engine that generates gravity in the direction the craft would wish to travel. Of course since we don’t know how to generate gravity I’ve been thinking about it. Which I also understand is a monumentous task that has already been thought about by other scientists.
Best answer:
Answer by Toшa
There is a very significant difference between electrical attraction and gravitational attraction:
electric charges of same polarity repel
masses always attract
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!