Origin of the Gravitational Force

The gravitational force is extremely important because it dominates the formation and evolution of the universe. However, its physical origin and intrinsic nature have not been clearly understood for a long time. Certain observed phenomena, along with those newly discovered by the Hubble and James Webb telescopes, cannot be well explained by current theories. Furthermore, general relativity and quantum mechanics, which are mainstream theories explaining the gravitational force, are ultimately incompatible with each other. This situation strongly points to the need for a better or novel theory of the gravitational force. Here, based on the classical space-time view, a different but solid understanding of the gravitational force is introduced. The author has realized that the gravitational force originates from none other than the electric force and is a synthetic electric force produced by a large number of electric charges. Generally speaking, in most objects, there are a large number of free and inducible net electric charges. Due to various reasons, including unavoidable fluctuations of microscopic particles, non-uniform charge distribution in the object is normal. The Earth, the Moon, and the Sun all are typical examples of such. The non-uniform charge distribution within an object will almost certainly turn that object into an electric dipole or a generalized electric dipole. Thus, almost any object can be regarded as an electric dipole, resulting in an interaction electric force produced between any two objects, and this interaction force will quickly change to an attractive force. This is the true origin of the gravitational force. This understanding can solve or explain confusing problems or phenomena easily and effectively, such as dark matter, dark energy, flat galaxies, filamentary nebulae, and the formation of the Solar system and Milky Way galaxy. This understanding also naturally unifies the gravitational and electromagnetic forces.