Finding Acceleration for Object on Equator

In summary, an object lying on Earth's equator experiences three accelerations: (a) towards the center of Earth due to its rotation, (b) towards the Sun due to Earth's revolution around it, and (c) towards the center of our galaxy due to the Sun's movement around it. These accelerations can be calculated by finding the centripetal acceleration and dividing by g. Using the period and radius values provided, the accelerations for (a) and (b) can be calculated as 0.033g and 0.006g, respectively.
  • #1
GingerBread27
108
0
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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  • #2
Find the centripetal acceleration and then divide by g.
 
  • #3
well I found part C but I can't figure out teh answers to part a and b. :blushing: This should be easy!
 
  • #4
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.
 

Related to Finding Acceleration for Object on Equator

1. What is the formula for finding acceleration for an object on the equator?

The formula for finding acceleration for an object on the equator is a = ω2R, where ω is the angular velocity of the earth and R is the radius of the earth.

2. How does the rotation of the earth affect the acceleration of objects on the equator?

The rotation of the earth creates a centrifugal force, which acts in the opposite direction of gravity. This causes a slight decrease in the acceleration of objects on the equator compared to objects at the poles.

3. Does the acceleration of objects on the equator change with latitude?

Yes, the acceleration of objects on the equator decreases as latitude increases. This is because the distance from the axis of rotation increases as latitude increases, leading to a decrease in the centrifugal force.

4. How is the acceleration of objects on the equator measured?

The acceleration of objects on the equator can be measured using a device called an accelerometer, which measures the changes in velocity and direction of the object.

5. Is the acceleration of objects on the equator constant?

No, the acceleration of objects on the equator is not constant. It varies slightly due to factors such as the rotation of the earth, gravitational pull from other celestial bodies, and the shape of the earth.

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