B Busting the myth about achieving artificial gravity by rotating a body

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The discussion centers on the concept of artificial gravity created by rotation in space, with participants debating the validity of this idea. One argument suggests that without gravity, standing on a rotating body is impossible unless physically secured, as deactivating magnetic boots would result in floating freely. Another perspective asserts that centripetal force, which mimics gravity, is present during rotation, allowing individuals to feel weight and remain grounded. The conversation highlights the distinction between perceived gravitational force and inertial forces in different frames of reference, ultimately questioning the nature of gravity itself. The debate reflects a deeper inquiry into the physics of motion and the forces at play in artificial gravity systems.
  • #31
lolsurround said:
You're wrong.
You might want to pick a reference a little higher level than that. Masses cause spacetime curvature that lead to inertial paths that intersect the surface of the planet. The surface of the planet is what pushes you out of the inertial path - so the only force acting on you is the contact force from the planet. What we usually call the "force of gravity" is the fictitious force caused by you not being in an inertial reference frame when you're on the surface at rest.
 
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  • #32
lolsurround said:
Why would it get locked for asking a legit question?
You aren't asking questions, you're making incorrect statements.
 
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  • #33
lolsurround said:
Why would it get locked for asking a legit question?
What was your question?
 
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  • #34
lolsurround said:
Why would it get locked for asking a legit question?

I see no question. I only see you claiming implicitly that physicists are wrong.
 
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  • #35
DaveC426913 said:
If you examine an astronaut in a closed rotating system that has air - from an external non-rotating reference frame - you will quickly see how the astronaut is drawn toward the outer wall and contacts it after a short time.

From the astronaut's point of view, this behaves sufficiently like gravity to do its job. i.e. Keep your feet on the floor and your milk in your glass.

Where is the disconnect?
The disconnect is that you're not getting my point. I understand what you mean but i see it as wrong. I disagree that the astronaut is drawn towards the outer wall. He starts with zero rotation together with the floor. As the floor speeds up, he holds on to it. When the floor is spinning and he let's go of it, he will not continue to be pushed towards the outer wall. He's in space and there will be nothing to draw him towards the outer wall. He will bump into the outer wall and for a while be pushed towards the floors rotational tangent, but he will not be pushed outside towards the wall.
 
  • #36
lolsurround said:
The disconnect is that you're not getting my point. I understand what you mean but i see it as wrong. I disagree that the astronaut is drawn towards the outer wall. He starts with zero rotation together with the floor. As the floor speeds up, he holds on to it. When the floor is spinning and he let's go of it, he will not continue to be pushed towards the outer wall. He's in space and there will be nothing to draw him towards the outer wall. He will bump into the outer wall and for a while be pushed towards the floors rotational tangent, but he will not be pushed outside towards the wall.
That's why I specified that it contains air. The air drags him along with the rotation.

In a vacuum, you would be correct that he could float without limit.
 
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  • #37
Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...
 
  • #38
So the OP is on a 10-day vacation from PF. They can contact the Mentors when they return to discuss whether this thread can be reopened. Thanks everybody for trying to help the OP.
 
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  • #39
Whelp, the update is that the vacation is permanent. Thread will not be reopened. Have a nice day. :smile:
 
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