Discover the Source of Earth's Centripetal Force: Is It Gravity?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of centripetal force in the context of Earth's orbit around the sun, specifically questioning whether gravity is the source of this force.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between centripetal force and gravity, with some questioning the definition of gravity and its classification as a force.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes varying interpretations of gravity, with some participants providing definitions and equations related to gravitational force. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating definitions and assumptions about gravity and its role in centripetal force, indicating potential confusion between different concepts of gravity.

UrbanXrisis
Messages
1,192
Reaction score
1
Earth goes around the sun. The centripetal force always acts towards the sun. What is the source of this force? Is it gravity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Gravity is the centripetal force.
 
Gravity isn't a force is it? Gravity isn't defined in Newtons.
 
UrbanXrisis said:
Gravity isn't a force is it? Gravity isn't defined in Newtons.

it is

F(grav) = (G*m1*m2)/(r^2)

if you're using vectors you tack on a unit vector to give it direction from the center of mass from one object to the other (and vice versa)
 
you're right, I was thinking about g (acceleration due to gravity), not gravity itself.
 

Similar threads

Centripetal force on a person on the Earth
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
7K
Finding proper value for centripetal acceleration in a plane rising up
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Uniform Circular Motion: Tension Force at Top of Circle
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
What is the mass of the Galaxy's core?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Acceleration in uniform circular motion is uniform or non-uniform?
  • · Replies 55 ·
2
Replies
55
Views
4K
Car turning and centripetal force
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Find g, measured to be 9.78 at the equator, when Earth is still
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Tension and reaction force in circular motion
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Is My Calculation of Centripetal Acceleration and Tangential Velocity Correct?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
How do I draw a FBD for centripetal force
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K