Gravity on a Moving Train: More or Less?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter chrisrazzano
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gravity Train
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of gravity in relation to standing on the side of a moving train, as depicted in Spider-Man 2. Participants concluded that to maintain stability and avoid falling off, a lower gravitational force than the standard 9.8 m/s² would be advantageous. The analogy to the moon's gravity was mentioned, emphasizing that reduced weight facilitates balance on a moving surface. Overall, the consensus is that less gravity simplifies the task of standing on a train's side.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force and its effects on motion
  • Basic physics concepts related to weight and balance
  • Familiarity with the effects of reduced gravity, such as those experienced on the moon
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of gravity on human balance and movement
  • Explore the physics of motion on inclined surfaces
  • Study the implications of reduced gravity environments, such as lunar conditions
  • Investigate Newton's laws of motion in practical applications
USEFUL FOR

Physics enthusiasts, educators, and anyone interested in the practical applications of gravitational concepts in dynamic environments.

chrisrazzano
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I was just wondering while watching Spider-Man 2 ..
Would you need MORE or LESS gravity than the standard of 9.8 m/s2 in order to stand on the side of a train like he did? I want to say less like the moon, but I feel like on the moon you don't stop moving and would keep rotating. So would you need more or less?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
chrisrazzano said:
I was just wondering while watching Spider-Man 2 ..
Would you need MORE or LESS gravity than the standard of 9.8 m/s2 in order to stand on the side of a train like he did? I want to say less like the moon, but I feel like on the moon you don't stop moving and would keep rotating. So would you need more or less?

I don't recall the scene. Was there rotation involved?


The short answer: if you want to not fall off something, it would be a lot easier to do if you weighed less.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad What happens when an explosion occurs on the surface of the moon?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Variation of the lightning train thought experiment
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
High School Does Relativity Impact Gravity's Influence on Fast-Moving Objects?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School Feasibility of a L1 Gravity Swing Cold Launch?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Undergrad Gravity on the Moon vs. on the spinning Earth
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad FTL Travel: The Matryoshka Paradox
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about Conserved Quantity Transfer from Train Track to Train
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Graduate Where does the energy for gravity come from?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
9K
Interplanetary Portals vs Gravity
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad What would happen if you moved a black hole?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K