Finding Acceleration for Object on Equator

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the accelerations experienced by an object at Earth's equator due to various motions: the rotation of Earth, its revolution around the Sun, and the movement of the Sun within the galaxy. The problem involves understanding concepts related to circular motion and gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to calculate centripetal acceleration for different scenarios and express confusion regarding the application of gravitational concepts and circular motion equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress on specific parts of the problem, while others are still struggling with the initial calculations. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of equations for centripetal acceleration and the importance of converting time periods into seconds.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the type of assistance they can receive. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationships between the different types of acceleration without providing direct solutions.

GingerBread27
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An object lying on Earth's equator is accelerated in the following three directions.
(a) toward the center of Earth because Earth rotates
(b) toward the Sun because Earth revolves around the Sun in an almost circular orbit
(c) toward the center of our galaxy because the Sun moves about the galactic center
For the latter, the period is 2.5 * 10^8 y and the radius is 2.2 * 10^20 m. Calculate these three accelerations as multiples of g = 9.8 m/s2.

Ok so this shouldn't be hard, I'm probably making it harder than it really is, I'm having trouble working with gravity and circular motion for some odd reason. So any help?
 
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Find the centripetal acceleration and then divide by g.
 
well I found part C but I can't figure out the answers to part a and b. :blushing: This should be easy!
 
A and B work exactly the same way as C. Just use the period eqn (T=2(pi)r/v) to find velocity and then plug into the centripetal accel. eqn and divide by g. For A, you'll use the Earth's radius for r and 24 hours for the period, but convert it to seconds. For B, you'll use the distance from the Earth to the sun for r and a period of 365 days, once again converted to seconds.
 

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