- #1
DocZaius
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I was looking at this graph and wondering what the value of the graph would be before the engines turn on. Should it be 1 g-force or 0 g-force? (the "force" in g-force being a misnomer as it is a measure of acceleration, not force) Below are arguments for each:
Why it should be 1 g-force: We experience 1 g-force of acceleration on Earth's surface. The astronauts would also experience 1 g-force before the engines turn on.
Why it should be 0 g-force: The acceleration of the rocket (in m/s^2) is clearly 0 while the rocket is still on the ground. 0 m/s^2 corresponds to 0 g-force.
Which is the correct interpretation? Or is this just a problem of choosing your zero? In that case what is the convention?
Why it should be 1 g-force: We experience 1 g-force of acceleration on Earth's surface. The astronauts would also experience 1 g-force before the engines turn on.
Why it should be 0 g-force: The acceleration of the rocket (in m/s^2) is clearly 0 while the rocket is still on the ground. 0 m/s^2 corresponds to 0 g-force.
Which is the correct interpretation? Or is this just a problem of choosing your zero? In that case what is the convention?