Inquiries on Vacuum Sphere: Spinning and Weight Difference

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
3 replies · 3K views
SPS
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi to you all,

May I just say I am not a physicist or the like so my questions may seem a bit green to you all, I wish to make something and need a little bit of info please.

With regards to a vacuum sphere, if I was to spin an item within it would it spin freely or would there be forces against it? Second silly question, does an item within the sphere become any lighter/heavier or no difference?

I hope the questions are worthy of a reply

Kind Regards

Steve
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The vacuum will reduce aerodynamic drag, but that's all (assuming the sphere remains on Earth). You still have to deal with friction from the bearings supporting your spinning object.
A vacuum has no effect on gravity, so the relative weight of your object will not change.
 
Thanks Pantaz for your reply, I am hoping i may be able to use opposing magnets to reduce the weight of my spinning object

Regards

Steve
 
Magnetic bearings will reduce (but not eliminate) friction. Weight will be unchanged.