A question about centrifugal force

In summary: In this context, 1g is the amount of force we feel on Earth (approximate), etc.g is a rate of acceleration, G is a gravitational constant.So if you're standing at the edge of the platform, the platform will be perceived as tilted from horizontal. (Your head and body will line up with the axis, so under your feet the platform will feel sloped, like you're going to slip off the edge.)
  • #1
Grytviken
7
0
Say the force is 1g for an object rotating around an axis. If the object is a platform that is facing the center how would forces act on an item placed at different areas on the platform?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Grytviken said:
Say the force is 1g for an object rotating around an axis. If the object is a platform that is facing the center how would forces act on an item placed at different areas on the platform?

Thanks.

This question is rather ... er .. vague.

First of all, "1 g" is mass, not "force" or weight.

Secondly, to know how much force is acting on an object "rotating" around an axis, one needs to know the rate of rotation as well. A mass of 1 g rotating around an axis requires different amount of force for different rotation speed, even if it was placed at the same distance away from the axis of rotation.

Added to the complication, you are placing this on a platform, meaning frictional force between the object and the platform how comes into play. So now, the coefficient of static friction is also needed IF the maximum speed of rotation is also something that needs to be discovered.

Zz.
 
  • #3
ZapperZ said:
First of all, "1 g" is mass, not "force" or weight.

Zz.

I think he might be referring to gravitational force, as in g-force. 1G is the amount of force we feel on Earth (approximate), etc.
 
  • #4
G is a unit of acceleration, not force.
 
  • #5
K^2 said:
G is a unit of acceleration, not force.

Heh my mistake. I always seem to forget that force is the product of acceleration AND mass.
 
  • #6
g is a rate of acceleration, G is a gravitational constant.

The rate of acceleration corresponds to speed2 / r. If the platform is flat, but orbiting around some central point, then speed and radius will be greater at the leading and trailing edges of the platform as opposed to the center.
 
  • #7
rcgldr said:
g is a rate of acceleration, G is a gravitational constant.

The rate of acceleration corresponds to speed2 / r. If the platform is flat, but orbiting around some central point, then speed and radius will be greater at the leading and trailing edges of the platform as opposed to the center.
And angle.

Standing at the edge of the platform, the platform will be perceived as tilted from horizontal. (Your head and body will line up with the axis, so under your feet the platform will feel sloped, like you're going to slip off the edge.)
 
  • #8
Thx especially to those who understood my question! I won't call it a force anymore alright :)
 
  • #9
rcgldr said:
g is a rate of acceleration, G is a gravitational constant.
I'm talking about units. g = 1G.
 

1. What is centrifugal force?

Centrifugal force is a fictitious force that appears to act on objects moving in a circular path. It is the outward force that is experienced by an object as it moves away from the center of rotation.

2. How does centrifugal force work?

Centrifugal force is a result of inertia, which is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its motion. As an object moves in a circular path, it wants to continue moving in a straight line, but is constantly pulled towards the center by a centripetal force. The centrifugal force is the equal and opposite force to this centripetal force, pushing the object away from the center.

3. Is centrifugal force a real force?

No, centrifugal force is not a real force. It is a fictitious force that only appears to exist due to the frame of reference in which the object is observed. In reality, the object is only experiencing a centripetal force towards the center of rotation.

4. How is centrifugal force related to Newton's laws of motion?

Centrifugal force is not explicitly mentioned in Newton's laws of motion. However, it can be explained using these laws. The first law states that an object will remain in a state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. In the case of circular motion, the centripetal force acts as the external force that causes a change in the object's motion. The second law, F=ma, can also be used to calculate the magnitude of the centrifugal force.

5. What are some real-world examples of centrifugal force?

Some common examples of centrifugal force include the feeling of being pushed to the side when a car turns, the water being pushed outwards in a spinning washing machine, and the sensation of being pulled towards the outside of a rotating amusement park ride. It is important to note that in these examples, the actual force acting on the objects is the centripetal force, but the centrifugal force is simply an apparent force.

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