Gravity forces converted to energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theoretical implications of gravitational forces between two balls of different sizes, specifically whether a smaller ball can spin around a larger ball due to gravitational attraction and the potential for energy extraction from such a system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that a small ball (ball B) could theoretically spin around a larger ball (ball A) due to gravitational attraction, suggesting this could lead to energy extraction.
  • Another participant counters that energy is already extracted from natural processes involving gravity, such as hydropower, implying that the proposed idea may not be feasible.
  • Several participants argue that ball B would not spin around ball A, as gravitational forces would cause ball B to rest on ball A rather than roll or spin.
  • One participant uses the analogy of a bowling ball on Earth to illustrate that a small object does not spin out of control when placed on a larger mass.
  • Another participant clarifies that the gravitational force acts directly towards the center of mass, which would not facilitate spinning.
  • A participant introduces a hypothetical scenario of pushing two balls against each other, questioning the nature of their interaction under force.
  • Another participant responds to the previous point by stating that if force is applied directly towards each other, the balls would only touch at a tangent point unless the force changes direction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of ball B spinning around ball A, with multiple viewpoints presented regarding the nature of gravitational forces and their effects on the motion of the balls.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about gravitational interactions and lacks consensus on the mechanics of the proposed scenario. The implications of energy extraction from gravitational forces remain unresolved.

lb6149
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Can anyone help me on this?

If I have a very large ball (ball A) and a tiny ball (ball B) as such that ball B is attracted by the center of ball A, then theorically, if ball A is a perfect sphere I could expect ball B to start spinning on ball A and never stop as ball B won't have anywhere to rest on ball A. Am I right?

In fact, this would be the opposite of anti-gravity and by multiplying that force we could extract an energy that could eventually move an object.
 
Last edited:
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Actually we routinely extract energy, and nearly endless from a combination of the suns heat and gravity. The sun evaporates sea water, it falls in the mountains as rain. We dam the streams and generate electricity.

As for your balls, I have no clue what you are talking about but I can be sure that it will not work. Simply because you are talking about a free lunch. TANSTAAFL.
 
What you think is wrong because ball B WILL rest on ball A, because the gravitational forces will not help ball B to roll along the side of ball A. The force on ball B is drawn towards the centre of ball A, which makes the two stick.
I don't see why ball B should start spinning around.
 
The Earth is like a big ball. Place a small ball such as a bowling ball someplace on the Earth's surface and let us know whether it spins out of control! :-)
 
ya, the ball would not spin around the other ball since the force between the two balls is directly perpendicular to the intersection tangent. Theregore, there would be no force to push the ball in one direction or another.
 
since the force between the two balls is directly perpendicular to the intersection tangent

...a very long way to say towards the centers of masses :biggrin:
 
asd

[tex]v(average) = \frac{s}{t}[/tex]

[tex]a=\frac{v-u}{t}[/tex]

[tex]s=ut + \frac{1}{2} a t^2[/tex]

[tex]v^2=u^2 + 2as[/tex]


:-p
 
Last edited by a moderator:
but what if I push two balls against each other? They can't possibly stick together. This is what I mean.
 
As long as you still apply force to both balls directly towards each other they will touch at a tangent point and stay that way unless the force changes direction.
 

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