Centripetal combined with Gravitational Force

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the interaction between centripetal and gravitational forces, specifically how Earth's rotation affects the acceleration due to gravity. The standard acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s², but this value can vary slightly based on location due to centrifugal effects. The Earth's shape, influenced by these forces, is not a perfect sphere, which contributes to variations in gravitational measurements. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these forces in the context of physics and geophysics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Newton's Law of Gravity
  • Centrifugal Force
  • Understanding of Earth's Rotation
  • Basic Physics of Acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of centrifugal force on gravitational measurements
  • Explore variations in gravitational acceleration across different geographical locations
  • Study the Earth's shape and its implications in geophysics
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of gravitational acceleration
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, geophysicists, and anyone interested in the effects of Earth's rotation on gravitational force measurements.

dliangsta
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Hi! So I learned Newtons Law of Gravity and used the numbers to calculate that the acceleration due to the attraction between masses is 9.8m/s/s. Hooray! This is what I've learned is the acceleration due to gravity. However, does the rotation of the Earth and the subsequent centrifugal force play any role in decreasing the strength of gravitational force? I naturally think that it would but what I've learned doesn't reflect this. Thanks :)
 
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Yes. This is why the Earth is not a perfect sphere (modulo local variations such as mountain ranges).
 
Orodruin said:
Yes. This is why the Earth is not a perfect sphere (modulo local variations such as mountain ranges).
Thanks again @Orodruin ! So then, does the 9.8m/s/s decrease because of the centrifugal force?
 
This depends on what you refer to. For someone rotating with the Earth, this will be the apparent effect. The measured value of g does differ from location to location (although 9.8 m/s^2 is the best approximation with two significant digits everywhere). When I was in high school, the value we were taught was 9.82 m/s^2, because it is what it is here. See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_of_Earth
 

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