Understanding the Variations of the Acceleration Due to Gravity

  • Context: High School 
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    Gravity Speed
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the variations of the acceleration due to gravity, including its speed and measurement. Participants explore concepts related to gravitational acceleration, its perceived variations based on location, and humorous takes on the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant humorously questions the speed of gravity, suggesting it might be close to the speed of light.
  • Another participant asserts that gravity's speed is slightly slower than the speed of light.
  • A participant corrects a misunderstanding about the relationship between acceleration and velocity.
  • There is a mention of a specific value for gravitational acceleration (9.0824 m/s²) being low, prompting questions about location-based variations.
  • Some participants reference a fictional character, Mr. Robin Parsons, humorously suggesting he adjusts gravity for fun.
  • Another participant claims to have heard that the speed of gravity is instantaneous, inviting further thoughts on this assertion.
  • Participants discuss different values for gravitational acceleration, including 32.174 ft/sec² and 9.8066 m/sec², noting that variations can occur in different locations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the speed of gravity, with some suggesting it is instantaneous while others propose it is slightly less than the speed of light. There is no consensus on the exact value of gravitational acceleration, as variations based on location are acknowledged but not resolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific numerical values for gravitational acceleration without agreeing on a standard measurement, indicating potential dependence on local conditions. The discussion includes humor and fictional elements that may affect the seriousness of the technical claims.

vortec
hey all...does anyone know what the speed of gravity is?
 
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Originally posted by Michael D. Sewell
Just a second, I'll check. THUD!
OUCH! 186,400 miles/sec
Thats funny, I only started going 9 meters per second...per second...persecond...persecond...

PS I don't know of anyone who has actually achieved a measurement for gravity, itself, but we know it induces accelerations in matter and is probably in the lighspeed (+/- a little bit, maybe) range...

But do you like our sense(s) of humor?
 
Last edited:
if you must know it is slightly slower than the speed of light.
 
Originally posted by Michael D. Sewell
velocity = acceleration x time
No, actually, acceleration x time is the change in velocity, not the velocity itself.
 
Originally posted by Michael D. Sewell
True enough.
Where do you live by the way? 9.0824 [itex]\frac{m}{{sec}^2}[/itex] is a bit low...
 
Originally posted by Chen
Where do you live by the way? 9.0824 [itex]\frac{m}{{sec}^2}[/itex] is a bit low...
Mr. Robin Parsons is in charge of keeping gravity within tolerance everywhere. Sometimes he plays with the dials to create mischief.
 
Originally posted by zoobyshoe
Mr. Robin Parsons is in charge of keeping gravity within tolerance everywhere. Sometimes he plays with the dials to create mischief.
SHHHHHH! (did you talk to Bad ***?)
 
i heard this somewhere that the speed of gravity is instantanious..
what are your thoughts on this. please forgive the spelling..lol
 
  • #10
Shyne road? on the left? consider it fixed!
 
  • #11
Originally posted by Michael D. Sewell
Sorry, it's been a long day. Is 32.174 ft/sec/sec ok? Do you like 9.8066 m/sec/sec better? I live on Shyne Road, first house on the left.
Well, normally g is taken to be 9.81 m/s^2. But you might find it to be 9.08 if you go on a high mountain or something, hence my question. :wink:
 

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