Err, two questions related to center of gravity and friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the center of gravity and friction, specifically how gravitational forces can be treated as parallel due to the Earth's large radius of approximately 6,300 km. Participants explain that while gravitational lines from objects to the Earth's center are not perfectly parallel at close distances, the vast distance allows for simplifications in calculations. Additionally, the conversation touches on the frictional properties of sand, although further details on this topic were not extensively covered.

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  • Understanding of gravitational forces and their behavior
  • Familiarity with the concept of center of gravity
  • Basic knowledge of friction and its types
  • Ability to visualize forces in a two-dimensional plane
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  • Research the implications of parallel forces in physics
  • Study the properties of friction in granular materials like sand
  • Explore the mathematical modeling of gravitational forces
  • Learn about the applications of center of gravity in engineering
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Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding gravitational forces and friction in practical applications.

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"since the distance of forces(the center of gravity forces) from the gravity are at a very large distance so they are just like parallel forces"

now what do parallel forces have to do with distance or vice versa?
Explain.

and then please explain the friction of sand.

anyone?!
 
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Since the distance to the center of the Earth is very big (around 6300 km), all gravitational forces can be considered acting in parallel directions. For example, imagine two objects on the surface of the Earth resting close to each other, let's say one meter. If you draw a sketch, and if you connect every object with a straight line to the center of the Earth, these lines will not be parallel. But since the distance to the center of the Earth is, as mentioned, very big, these two lines can considered to be parallel, which simplifies calculations, but still keeps them in limits of satisfying accuracy.
 

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