Why does the gravity model work?
1 Answer
Feb 1, 2018
It fits the observed phenomena to date.
Explanation:
ANY model or theory is only as good as its descriptive and predictive ability in application to observations. We develop theories and models by observation - empirical facts. Then we try to find ways (often mathematical) to describe those observations. The real test of a model that "works" is by using it to predict some phenomenon that we have not yet observed, and then observing it.
One of the key proofs of the validity of the gravity model is the "Gravitational Lens" effect, predicted from the theory before it was observed.
