Is Gravity the Same as Acceleration?

AI Thread Summary
Gravity and acceleration are related concepts but not the same; accelerated frames can mimic gravitational effects. When swinging a stone on a string, the stone experiences a centripetal force, which can be perceived as "artificial" gravity directed towards the center of the circular motion. This effect is similar to how gravity pulls objects towards a planet's surface. The discussion clarifies that while gravity is a natural force, acceleration can create similar sensations in different contexts. Understanding these principles helps differentiate between gravitational pull and the effects of acceleration.
AlisonArulia
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Hi everyone,

I hope you can help me with this as I am having a problem sorting all this out.

I have been told that Gravity and acceration are the same thing. It was explained to me by thinking about droping a ball in a lift (that was is space so no gravity) and the ball would act as if it was being pulled to the floor by gravity.

OK, I sort of understand this.

But I was also told that if a swing a stone on a string around y head, then the stone is affected by gravity towards the centre of the spining. ie. towards me. But I can't be producing gravity, so what is happening please.

Thank you for any help you can give me.

Alison
 
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AlisonArulia said:
I have been told that Gravity and acceration are the same thing.
Not really the same thing. Accelerated frames are equivalent to frames at rest in a gravitational field.
AlisonArulia said:
But I was also told that if a swing a stone on a string around y head, then the stone is affected by gravity towards the centre of the spining. ie. towards me. But I can't be producing gravity, so what is happening please.
You are producing "artificial" gravity. For someone living in the stone it would the same as being at rest on the surface of a planet.
 
oooooo. I get it now.
Thank you so much.
 

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