Exploring the Effects of Gravity on a Flag on the Moon's Surface

In summary: The flag would be stiff in a vacuum because there is no air to fill it like a sail. However, because the moon doesn't have an atmosphere, waving the flag around would still look normal.
  • #1
AnthreX
47
0
say that you have landed on the moon's surface
and you held the flag up and started to wave it around

moon has no atmosphere but has gravity right ?
than what would flag do when you wave it around ?

i am guessing that the flag would be stiff but it would be looking down towards the moon because the gravity is acting on it

any ideas/solutions ?
 
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  • #2
No, it wouldn't be stiff. You could still wave it around, because it has mass and therefore inertia. It won't look quite normal, though, because there is no air to fill it like a sail.

- Warren
 
  • #3
There's this famous picture of Neil Armstrong with an American flag on the moon staked to the ground. The flag looks like it is fluttering. I've always wondered: Why is that?
 
  • #4
Originally posted by recon
There's this famous picture of Neil Armstrong with an American flag on the moon staked to the ground. The flag looks like it is fluttering. I've always wondered: Why is that?
"Of course a flag can wave in a vacuum. In the shot of the astronaut and the flag, the astronaut is rotating the pole on which the flag is mounted, trying to get it to stay up. The flag is mounted on one side on the pole, and along the top by another pole that sticks out to the side. In a vacuum or not, when you whip around the vertical pole, the flag will ``wave'', since it is attached at the top. The top will move first, then the cloth will follow along in a wave that moves down. This isn't air that is moving the flag, it's the cloth itself."

http://www.badastronomy.com/bad/tv/foxapollo.html#flag
 
  • #5
Originally posted by recon
There's this famous picture of Neil Armstrong with an American flag on the moon staked to the ground. The flag looks like it is fluttering. I've always wondered: Why is that?
Besides, how can you see a flag "fluttering" in a still image? The flag is just crumpled.

- Warren
 

FAQ: Exploring the Effects of Gravity on a Flag on the Moon's Surface

1. What is the force of gravity on the Moon's surface?

The force of gravity on the Moon's surface is approximately one-sixth of the force of gravity on Earth's surface, which is equivalent to 1.62 meters per second squared (m/s²). This is due to the Moon's smaller mass and weaker gravitational pull.

2. How does the force of gravity affect a flag on the Moon's surface?

The force of gravity on the Moon's surface causes objects to have less weight and a slower rate of falling than on Earth. For a flag, this means it will hang down at a more relaxed angle and flutter less due to the weaker gravitational pull.

3. Are there any other factors that affect a flag on the Moon's surface?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect a flag on the Moon's surface, such as the Moon's lack of atmosphere and wind. Without air resistance, the flag will not flutter as much as it would on Earth. Additionally, the flag's material and design can also impact its movement on the Moon's surface.

4. How does the size of the flag affect its movement on the Moon's surface?

The size of the flag can affect its movement on the Moon's surface in two ways. Firstly, a larger flag will experience more air resistance and may flutter more due to the lack of atmosphere on the Moon. Secondly, a larger flag will have a larger surface area for the weaker gravitational pull to act on, causing it to hang down at a more relaxed angle.

5. Can we accurately simulate the effects of gravity on a flag on the Moon's surface?

Yes, scientists can use mathematical equations and computer simulations to accurately simulate the effects of gravity on a flag on the Moon's surface. These simulations can also take into account other factors such as the flag's material and design to provide a more realistic representation of its movement on the Moon.

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