Calculate Weight Difference at Equator: 715N Gravitational Force

In summary, the conversation discusses the discrepancy between the weight of a person at the equator, determined by a spring balance, and the true force of gravitational attraction at the same point. The speaker has attempted various formulas to find the answer but has not been successful. They also mention the relationship between gravitational force, normal force, and centripetal force.
  • #1
Coolbass04
2
0
The weight of a person at the equator, as determined by a spring balance is 715N.

By how much does this differ from the true force of gravitational attraction at the same point? Assume that the Earth is spherically symmetric.

I've tried many different forumla's but can't seem to get the right answer, I thought that it might be the same but I guess it isn't. The next thing I tried was getting their mass (715/9.8) and plugging it into F = -gmM / R^2 but that didn't work either...any other ideas?
 
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  • #2
well , you know that Fgravity is going to be Fnormal + Fcentripetal...
 
  • #3


Based on the given information, it is not possible to accurately calculate the weight difference at the equator with the information provided. This is because the weight of an object is affected by both the gravitational force and the centrifugal force caused by the Earth's rotation. Without knowing the exact mass and radius of the Earth, as well as the rotational speed at the equator, it is not possible to accurately calculate the weight difference. Additionally, the Earth is not a perfect sphere and has variations in its gravitational field, which would also affect the weight difference. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the exact weight difference at the equator with the given information.
 

1. How is the weight difference at the equator calculated?

The weight difference at the equator is calculated by taking into account the gravitational force, which is 715N at the equator. This force is due to the rotation of the Earth, which causes an outward centrifugal force that counteracts the downward pull of gravity.

2. What is the significance of calculating weight difference at the equator?

Calculating weight difference at the equator helps us understand the effects of the Earth's rotation on gravitational force. It also allows us to accurately measure and predict weight differences for objects at different latitudes on Earth.

3. Does the weight difference at the equator affect an object's mass?

No, the weight difference at the equator does not affect an object's mass. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and is not affected by changes in gravitational force.

4. How does the weight difference at the equator compare to other latitudes on Earth?

The weight difference at the equator is greater than at other latitudes on Earth. This is because the centrifugal force is strongest at the equator due to the Earth's rotation, resulting in a larger difference between the centrifugal force and the downward pull of gravity.

5. Can the weight difference at the equator be felt by humans?

The weight difference at the equator is very small and cannot be felt by humans. It would only be noticeable if we had extremely sensitive instruments or if we were able to compare our weight at the equator to our weight at another latitude on Earth.

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