How Fast Must an Astronaut Run in Skylab to Mimic Earth's Gravity?

[physicsdawg]

Homework Statement

The attached videoclip shows footage from Skylab, launched in 1973, used during 1973-74, and in orbit until 1979. During the final seconds of the clip, you can see three astronauts exercising. One of them is running around the station. Estimate the speed that he should maintain, in order to feel as if he were running on earth...explain your reasoning and calculations

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

idk, I'm really looking for how to set the problem up more than estimates. I tried this...really no idea if its right or not.

centrifugal acceleration = v^2 / r

= g (to feel like you are on earth)

So v = sqrt (gr)

and estimated radisu to be about 3m

 

[rockerdoctor]

That looks right to me. The only thing wrong is your wording. It is centripetal acceleration not centrifugal.

 

[Moetasim]

(based on comparing the astronaut's size to the size of the station in the footage)

Therefore, v = sqrt (9.8*3) = 5.4 m/s

This means that the astronaut should maintain a speed of approximately 5.4 meters per second in order to feel as if he were running on Earth. This calculation is based on the assumption that the astronaut is running in a circular path with a radius of 3 meters, and the centrifugal acceleration experienced by the astronaut is equivalent to the gravitational acceleration on Earth.

However, it is important to note that this is just an estimation and the actual speed may vary depending on the exact dimensions and structure of the Skylab and the astronaut's body weight and height. Additionally, the experience of running in space may not feel exactly the same as running on Earth due to the absence of gravity and other factors.