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Preface
While browsing through unanswered posts in the Classical Physics Workshop, I came across a gem at the link shown below. For the reader’s convenience, I have included (in italics) the OP’s statement of the question.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/ spacecraft -path-with-polar-coordinates.683210/
There is a circular gate rotating at a constant angular speed of ##\omega##. The circular gate has a tunnel across its diameter. The mission is to pass through the gate. (That is, come in one side of the gate, travel the whole diameter, and exit at the other side.)
Also, craft is neutrally buoyant, the craft has four thrusters (in the i, -i, j, and – j directions), and sudden movements cause ‘slosh’ in the fuel tank that destroys the craft.
I gave a brief response at the time to remove the post from the unanswered group, but the physics...
The rotation of the tunnel creates a centrifugal force that pushes objects towards the outer walls. This force increases as the speed of rotation increases, making it more difficult to move through the tunnel without bumping into the walls.
The best strategy is to maintain a consistent speed and direction while moving through the tunnel. This will help you to counteract the centrifugal force and maintain your balance.
No, you do not need any special equipment. However, wearing comfortable and non-slip shoes can help you maintain your balance and avoid slipping on the rotating surface.
One common mistake is trying to move too quickly or abruptly changing direction, which can cause you to lose your balance and bump into the walls. Another mistake is not paying attention to the rotation of the tunnel and underestimating the force it creates.
It is possible, but it requires a lot of practice and skill. Even with the best strategy, there is always a risk of bumping into the walls due to the centrifugal force. It is important to stay focused and be prepared to make small adjustments to your movement as needed.