The discussion revolves around gravitational forces, particularly in the context of weight in different environments such as space and the Moon. Participants explore concepts related to gravitational equations and apparent weight during free fall.
The discussion is active, with participants questioning their assumptions about weight and gravitational force. Some guidance has been offered regarding the universal nature of the gravitational constant and its implications for calculations involving different celestial bodies.
Participants are navigating concepts of weight in varying gravitational fields, including the Moon and space, while also considering the implications of free fall on apparent weight. There is a focus on understanding the definitions and applications of gravitational force without reaching a definitive conclusion.
Miike012 said:F = Gmm'/r^2
Does this explain the sum or total gravitational force between two bodies?
Miike012 said:Ok thank you.
Maybe you can help with this question as well...
During a jump off a diving board, is your apparent
weight (a) equal to your true weight, (b) slightly less
than your true weight, (c) slightly more than your true
weight, or (d) zero?
The answer is zero? I thought it would have been (b)
Miike012 said:Actually one last question also... Why do we use the gravitational constant G?
Is this only relevant to earth? therefore if I wanted to calculate the gravitational force of an object to mercury I would have to use another value that is not G?
DaveC426913 said:Why do you think it would have been b?
If you held a bathroom scale against your feet during your jump, what do you think the scale would show as your weight?
Weight is what a scale measures. It measures the force placed upon it. On the moon you would weigh less.Miike012 said:So if I was listening to my self I should have actually said the weight would stay the same.