Calculating Force of Gravity at Different Elevations with a Robot

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Zerd_2011
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Force Gravity
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around calculating the force of gravity at different elevations for a robot climbing a skyscraper. Participants explore various formulas and concepts related to gravitational force, torque, and the effects of elevation on gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for calculating the number of g's on the robot using torque and gravitational force, seeking input on how to apply gravitational law at different elevations.
  • Another participant states that gravity is proportional to the square of the distance from the Earth's center and suggests a more precise formula that includes the height of the robot above the Earth's surface.
  • A different participant notes the minimal difference in gravitational force from the top to the bottom of a skyscraper and mentions using Newton's approximation for gravitational force, while also addressing the centrifugal force's effect on the net force.
  • Another contribution discusses torque calculations, suggesting the need to consider the center of mass and providing alternative torque equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of gravitational changes at different elevations, with some emphasizing the minimal impact while others suggest more precise calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to calculate the force of gravity for the robot.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the height of the robot's elevation and the applicability of certain formulas. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in the proposed calculations.

Zerd_2011
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I am working on a formula to help me calculate the force of gravity at different elevations on a robot as it climbs up a skyscraper. The robot is attached to four magnetic wheels (each with a pull force of 4 lbs) which attaches to the steel framer.

In order to find the g's on the robot, i have used three different formulas:
(g+r)/g
(torque)=Fr
F=ma

and i have come with this equation to find the number of g's on the robot:

g's= ((torque) + gmr)/(gmr) using those three formulas

Now that i have figured out the value of g, how do i find the force at different elevations?
How do i use the gravitational law with the formula i already have?

Am i going about this all wrong? Any input would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Gravity at the Earth's surface is 9.8 meters/sec2. In general, it is proportional to r2, where r is the distance to the center of the earth. If you want to be VERY precise, you need to multiply by (R/(R+h))2, where R is the radius of the Earth and h is the height of the elevator. Unless h gets very big, the adjustment is probably unnecessary.
 
Last edited:
Im going to assume that you know how tiny the difference in weight is going to be from the top of the building to the bottom. The best way to calculate the force of gravity is to use Newtons approximation G*(g1*g2)/r^2.

It looks like your also calculating the centrifugal force due to the object rotating around the Earths axis. Although this will effect the net force on the object it has no bearing on the force of gravity.
 
For torque you also need to consider once you draw out a picture, the equationg T=mgx x being the centrial mass and mg ofcouurse mass times gravity or even T=r(Fsin theta)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K