What is the force behind artificial gravity in rotating space stations?

Click For Summary
The force behind artificial gravity in rotating space stations is primarily a normal force exerted by the station's surface on astronauts. This force acts toward the axis of rotation, creating a sensation of weight similar to gravity. Prolonged exposure to weightlessness can have negative physiological effects, making artificial gravity a potential solution for future space stations. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding these forces to ensure astronaut health during extended missions. Overall, the concept of artificial gravity is crucial for the design of future space habitats.
layla2525
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Figure 5.18 shows a space station rotating about an axis. Because of the rotational motion, any object located at a point P on the interior surface of the station experiences a centripetal force directed toward the axis. The surface of the station provides this force by pushing on the feet of an astronaut, for instance.


In Figure 5.18, what kind of force is actually making the astronaut feel "artificial gravity"?

A normal force

A gravitational force

A tension force

There is no actual force acting on the astronaut, it just feels that way.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



The physiological effects of prolonged apparent weightlessness are only partially known.

To minimize such effects, it is likely that artificial gravity will be provided in large space stations of the future.
 

Attachments

  • ID229_fg05_18.png
    ID229_fg05_18.png
    15.1 KB · Views: 494
Physics news on Phys.org
What are your thoughts?
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Need someone to help check my work -- Artificial Gravity Report
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Period of Rotation for Artificial Gravity on Earth
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Explaining How a Rotating Cylindrical Spaceship Simulates Gravity
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Creating Artificial Gravity in Space: Using Centripetal Force on a Space Station
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Problem 9.2 Classical Mechanics: Astronaut in a rotating space station
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Artificial gravity in a rotating space station
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
5K
2 astronauts near a space station (no rotation)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Busting the myth about achieving artificial gravity by rotating a body
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
3K
Centripetal Force / circular motion question
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
How Long Should Rockets Fire to Rotate a Space Station?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K