How Gravity Differs from the Electrostatic Force

The electrostatic force and gravity have a number of differences that seem to indicate that these forces must be unrelated. However, on closer inspection we find that these differences are fully accounted for in a model where gravity is due to an imbalance in the electrostatic force.

Surface phenomenon vs universal phenomenon

The electrostatic force is always calculated from the surface of objects because it requires an excess or deficiency in electric charge, and this happens only at the surface of materials. Charge imbalances are in other words surface phenomena.

Gravity on the other hand, if due to an imbalance in the electrostatic force, must be calculated from the center of bodies. This is because an imbalance of this sort is additive. Every atom has this imbalance. So, we must account for every atom regardless of where it’s located.

Dependent vs independent of material types

The chemical and physical properties of materials are important in determining the impact of the electrostatic force. This is because some materials resist charge imbalances while others don’t.

However, an imbalance in the electrostatic force will exist regardless of material types. So, if gravity is due to an imbalance, all materials will attract each other.

It doesn’t matter if a material resists charge imbalances, because the addition or subtraction of electrons has nothing to do with the inherent imbalance that exists in all materials. The total number of electrons and protons involved is all that matters.

Shielding vs no shielding

The electrostatic force can induce charge imbalances on the surface of materials. But the degree to which this happens depends on the material. So, some materials function as good shields while others don’t.

However, there’s no way to shield against a universal imbalance, because such imbalances are additive. It doesn’t depend on the type of materials used.

Any gravity “consumed” by a concrete floor will be matched by gravity “produced” by the same floor. So, the floor doesn’t take away any gravity from us as we sit upstairs, and this goes for any floor regardless of material used.

Conclusion

Gravity, if due to an imbalance in the electrostatic force, will result in a universally attracting force that acts from the center of objects, independent of material types. So, there’s no reason to dismiss this idea simply because the electrostatic force acts differently.