What Would Happen If Earth's Attraction Suddenly Stopped?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the scenario where the Earth suddenly stops attracting objects near its surface and the resulting effect on a person standing on the surface. The initial discussion brings up different options for the person's movement, with the book giving the answer as remaining standing. The reason for this is then discussed, with the conclusion that the normal reaction acts because the body presses on the ground. However, the conversation also touches on the possibility of the ground being somewhat pressed and the normal reaction being present at the instant of the Earth's attraction stopping. This is then clarified as being incorrect due to the lack of elasticity involved.
  • #1
vissh
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hello :D
Neglect the effect of rotation of the earth. Suppose the Earth suddenly stops to attract objects placed near its surface. A person standing on the surface of the Earth will
<a>fly up <b> slip along the surface <c> fly along a tangent to Earth's surface <d> remains standing

Initially, Normal force, N will be acting upward and mg downward. Resulting Fnet=0 [Object at equilibrium]
So, when the Earth suddenly stops to attract ,mg vanishes But N should be present at that instant And thus the person should fly up :)

But the book gives ans is <d>
What you think ^.^
 
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  • #2
what is your reasoning that the Normal reaction acts?
 
  • #3
hmm my reason is -
You agree with me that when Earth was attracting, Normal force, N and mg were acting and also they were canceling each other ,for equilibrium.
Now,At the moment just [when Earth stops attracting],mg will vanish .But at that very moment I think "N' will still be there and cause body to fly.
So what you think friend! ^.^
 
  • #4
i meant to ask "why" does the normal reaction act?
Does it have to do anything with the way the body presses on the ground?

And yes, I agree that when Earth was attracting, Normal force, N and mg were acting and also they were canceling each other ,for equilibrium.
 
  • #5
Yep Normal rxn act as the body presses ground. Hmm at the instant [when Earth stops attracting] , the ground maybe somewhat pressed and the normal rxn should be there at that instant.
:)
 
  • #6
vissh said:
the ground maybe somewhat pressed and the normal rxn should be there at that instant.
:)

Ah, here's where you go wrong...i think

There's nothing as "somewhat pressed" here actually. (no elasticity involved for it to remain pressed and all, we neglect such things)

There, it should be fine for you now.
 
  • #7
OKzz :D Thanks Legend ^.^
 
  • #8
You'r welcome. :smile:
 

1. What would happen to objects on Earth if the Earth's attraction suddenly stopped?

If the Earth's attraction suddenly stopped, all objects on Earth would no longer be pulled towards the Earth's center. This would result in all objects floating freely in a straight line tangent to the Earth's surface.

2. How would this affect the Earth's rotation and orbit?

Since Earth's rotation and orbit are both dependent on the Earth's attraction, they would both be greatly affected. The Earth's rotation would slow down significantly and eventually come to a stop, and the Earth's orbit around the sun would become unstable.

3. Would humans be able to survive if the Earth's attraction suddenly stopped?

No, humans would not be able to survive if the Earth's attraction suddenly stopped. Our bodies are adapted to the Earth's gravitational pull, and without it, we would experience a variety of negative effects such as loss of bone density and muscle mass, along with difficulty breathing and cardiovascular issues.

4. What would happen to the Earth's atmosphere in this scenario?

Without the Earth's attraction, the atmosphere would no longer be held in place by gravity and would begin to dissipate into space. This would lead to a loss of oxygen and other essential gases, making it impossible for humans and most other living organisms to survive.

5. Is there any possibility of the Earth's attraction suddenly stopping?

No, there is no known natural phenomenon or scientific theory that could cause the Earth's attraction to suddenly stop. The Earth's gravitational pull is a fundamental force of nature and is essential for maintaining the stability of our planet and the survival of all living beings on it.

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