Gravity , or gravitation , is a natural phenomenon by which all things with mass are brought toward ( or gravitate toward ) one another , including objects ranging from atoms and photons , to planets and stars . Since energy and mass are equivalent , all forms of energy ( including light ) cause gravitation and are under the influence of it . On Earth , gravity gives weight to physical objects , and the Moon 's gravity causes the ocean tides . The gravitational attraction of the original gaseous matter present in the Universe caused it to begin coalescing , forming stars -- and for the stars to group together into galaxies -- so gravity is responsible for many of the large scale structures in the Universe . Gravity has an infinite range , although its effects become increasingly weaker on farther objects .

Question: what is the common name for gravitational force
Answer: Gravity