Is Gravity the Same as Acceleration?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter AlisonArulia
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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the relationship between gravity and acceleration, emphasizing that while they are not the same, they can produce similar effects in certain contexts. The concept of "artificial gravity" is introduced, particularly in scenarios like swinging a stone on a string, where the centripetal force mimics gravitational effects. Participants agree that accelerated frames can be equivalent to stationary frames in a gravitational field, enhancing understanding of these physical principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newtonian physics principles
  • Familiarity with concepts of acceleration and centripetal force
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational fields
  • Concept of inertial and non-inertial reference frames
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equivalence principle in general relativity
  • Explore the concept of centripetal acceleration in circular motion
  • Study the effects of artificial gravity in rotating systems
  • Learn about inertial frames versus non-inertial frames in physics
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Students of physics, educators explaining gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of motion and forces.

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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