A question about centrifugal force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of centrifugal force and how it affects objects placed on a rotating platform. Participants explore the implications of rotation speed, the definition of units of measurement, and the effects of friction on the forces acting on objects at different positions on the platform.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify that "1 g" refers to mass rather than force or weight, and emphasize the need for additional information such as the rate of rotation to determine the forces acting on an object.
  • Others suggest that "1 G" might refer to gravitational force, indicating a possible misunderstanding of the terms used.
  • There is a discussion about the relationship between acceleration, mass, and force, with some participants noting that force is the product of acceleration and mass.
  • Participants mention that the rate of acceleration is related to the speed of the object and its distance from the axis of rotation, indicating that forces will vary depending on the object's position on the platform.
  • One participant points out that standing at the edge of the platform would create a perception of tilt, affecting the experience of the forces involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions of "g" and "G," with some clarifying their meanings while others remain uncertain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the implications of these definitions for the original question.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding the context of the question, including the need for specific details such as rotation speed and friction, which are not fully addressed in the initial inquiry.

Grytviken
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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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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.
 
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.
 
G is a unit of acceleration, not force.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.)
 
Thx especially to those who understood my question! I won't call it a force anymore alright :)
 
rcgldr said:
g is a rate of acceleration, G is a gravitational constant.
I'm talking about units. g = 1G.
 

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