Centrifical force seems to assert that the faster the rotation, the lower the gravitational field but people always have told me the opposite. How come. Which is it?
2007-11-20 23:58:37 · 5 answers · asked by Rev TL 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Gravity is a force of attraction that exists between any two masses, that is proportional to the sum of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the masses. Gravity is not effected by rotation.
But that does not mean that rotation does not create another force that may act to increase or decrease the pull felt by a mass. So the rotation of the earth will create a net force on a mass that is directed away from the center of rotation, which acts in direct contradiction to the force of gravity, but the force of gravity is not changed.
2007-11-21 00:10:42 · answer #1 · answered by Brian K² 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rotation has absolutely nothing to do with planetary gravity. Gravity is the attraction of MASSES to each other. All masses in the universe attract all other masses with their gravity. Rotation has nothing to do with it.
You are thinking of a rotating space station which simulates weight by spinning, pushing people inwards with a centripetal normal force that feels like weight.
2007-11-21 00:10:18 · answer #2 · answered by ZikZak 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The effect of rotation of the earth about its axis is discussed below.
If g = acceleration due to gravity at the poles and
g' = acceleration due to gravity at the latitude λ,
the relation between g and g' is
g' = g - Ï^2 * R * cos^2 (λ)
Thus, assuming the earth to be a perfect sphere, acceleration due to gravity, g, at the poles is the maximum, because λ = 90° at the poles which gives g' = g.
At the equator on the surface of the earth value of acceleration due to gravity is g' which is less than g, putting λ = 0°, by Ï^2 * R. ( because cos λ = cos 0° = 1).
2007-11-21 00:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by Madhukar 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yep, you got something backwards there..... gravity has to do with mass....a higher rate of spin might make the centrifugal force stronger, but it wouldn't affect the actual gravity associated with the mass..... so, basically.... if the Earth suddenly started spinning several times faster, then folks would be thrown off the planet, but the gravity wouldn't change, the rate of spin would just be higher than what the planets gravity could overcome....(I hope that's not too confusing)
2007-11-21 00:09:49 · answer #4 · answered by meanolmaw 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
according to equation its the case.to say why no one know,its like telling why people have 2 eyes and not three!
2007-11-21 00:11:20 · answer #5 · answered by ~krish~ 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋