Minimum acceleration that humans can sense

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the threshold of acceleration that humans can sense, particularly in the context of experiences such as traveling by train. Participants explore the physiological mechanisms involved in detecting motion and the variability in perception of acceleration versus velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether there is a specific acceleration threshold that humans can perceive.
  • Another participant provides a link to a scientific study on psychophysical acceleration detection thresholds, suggesting it may offer relevant insights.
  • A different participant notes that humans utilize various sensory systems, including the eyes and inner ear, to determine motion and orientation, and highlights the distinction between perceiving acceleration and velocity.
  • There is mention of a study indicating that vibrating a platform can aid in balance, implying that sensory perception can be influenced by external factors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express interest in the topic and share resources, but there is no consensus on a specific threshold or the mechanisms involved in sensing acceleration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion references various studies and sensory systems but does not resolve the complexities of how acceleration is perceived or the specific thresholds involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in human sensory perception, psychophysics, and the physiological aspects of motion detection may find this discussion relevant.

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I often travel by train. Sometimes, the train starts so slightly that I can not feel anything until look out of the windows. I know that's because of small acceleration.

The question is is there an acceleration threshold for human beings to be sensed?

I hope this is suitable for this box.

Thanks
 
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Here is some light http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1402298 related to your question. It's a scientific study on psychophysical acceleration detection thresholds.
 
Thanks for the link
 
Interesting question. Our bodies have multiple methods of determining motion and orientation: eyes and inner ear in addition to motor neurons. There is also a difference in perceiving acceleration and velocity.

I recall a study showing that slightly vibrating a platform upon which subjects stood made it easier to balance and remain on the platform.

PubMed has quite a few articles under the search term:

acceleration threshold sensation human

scan and see what looks interesting...
 

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