G-force centrifuge mounted on opposite rotating platform

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of a centrifuge that generates a specific g-force while being mounted on a platform that rotates in the opposite direction. Participants explore whether the g-force is negated or remains the same from different perspectives, including that of an outside observer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant queries whether the g-force created by the centrifuge is negated by the opposite rotation of the platform or if it remains unchanged while appearing stationary from an outside perspective.
  • Another participant prompts the original poster (OP) to consider the equation of motion for the object in the centrifuge and suggests providing a sketch for clarity.
  • A third participant seeks clarification on the arrangement, suggesting a scenario with concentric cages and inquires about the implications of this setup.
  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the OP's description of the situation, questioning the specifics of the rotation and the points around which the rotations occur.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are differing interpretations of the OP's question and the physical setup being described. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of the g-force and the effects of the rotations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the OP's description, including assumptions about the rotational points and the relationship between the centrifuge and the rotating platform that remain unresolved.

DonnyJ
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TL;DR
Query - does a centrifuge spinning to create X g-force, mounted on a platform that is rotating the the same rpm's the opposite direction, negate the g-force? Or does the g-force stay the same but from an outside perspective the centrifuge appears stationary?
Query - does a centrifuge spinning to create X g-force, mounted on a platform that is rotating the the same rpm's the opposite direction, negate the g-force? Or does the g-force stay the same but from an outside perspective the centrifuge appears stationary?
 
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Welcome to PF.

What do you think the answer is and why? Do you know how to write the equation of motion of an object in the centrifuge as seen in a rest frame in the laboratory?

Also, can you show us a sketch or picture of the arrangement you are asking about? You can use the "Attach files" link below the Edit window to add PDF or JPEG images to your posts.
 
As @berkeman says, a drawing will help.

It sounds like you have two concentric cages, with the outer one rotating and the inner one not, Is that correct? If so, does that give you any ideas?
 
I have only one clarifying question for the OP:
From the vantage point of an observer outside the centrifuge contraption, how fast (if at all) is the occupant rotating?
 
I have no real clue what the OP is asking about lol, not the best statement that describes accurately the situation. The best I can make of it is that we have some object that is rotating around some point in a lab, say clockwise, and the whole lab is rotating (around the same point or different point?) in an opposite direction counterclockwise.
 

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