Can we 'feel' magnitudes of distant forces?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter bhauta
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Forces Magnitudes
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of whether humans can perceive distant forces, specifically gravitational forces from celestial bodies like Earth and Jupiter. Participants debate the idea that the human body can only 'feel' contact forces, questioning if equal and opposite gravitational forces from two Earths or Jupiters would elicit any sensation. The consensus is that the proposed thought experiment does not adequately address the core question of sensation related to gravitational pull.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational forces and their effects
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts related to force and sensation
  • Familiarity with thought experiments in physics
  • Awareness of the differences between contact and non-contact forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of gravitational force and its effects on the human body
  • Explore the concept of sensation and perception in physics
  • Investigate thought experiments related to forces, such as Newton's laws
  • Learn about the differences between contact forces and non-contact forces in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in science, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of force perception and sensation.

bhauta
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Some say that our body can 'feel' only contact forces, I want to confirm it. Suppose I am placed between two Earth's so that their gravitational forces on me are equal and opposite. Do I feel any 'pull' - as in tug of war the rope would feel if it had sensations? If Earth's are replaced by Jupiters, do I feel any difference?
 
Science news on Phys.org
I don't think the thought experiment you propose addresses the issue you are asking about.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
3K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K