Spin and gravity of earth, no math

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

If the Earth suddenly stopped spinning, satellites would lose their orbits due to angular momentum, resulting in potential collisions. One hemisphere would experience extreme heating while the opposite would freeze. Additionally, the moon could collide with Earth due to the absence of centripetal force. If Earth lost its gravitational pull, all objects would become weightless, and the momentum from the Earth's previous spin would cause them to ascend. The moon would drift away, and Earth would wobble off its tilted axis, potentially falling out of orbit around the sun.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum and its effects on orbiting bodies
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational forces and their role in planetary motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of centripetal force
  • Awareness of the Earth's rotational dynamics and its impact on climate
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of angular momentum on satellite orbits
  • Study gravitational forces and their implications for celestial bodies
  • Explore the concept of centripetal force in planetary systems
  • Investigate the Earth's rotational dynamics and climate consequences
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the implications of planetary motion and gravitational forces.

fenixbtc
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A. what would happen if the Earth suddenly stopped spinning
B. what would happen if the Earth lost it's gravitational pull

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


these are some ideas i have, can you tell me if they are correct or not, and some ideas you may have as well.
A.
-satellites would fly out of orbit due to angular momentum
-one side of Earth would overheat, the other freeze
-moon would collide with earth, no centripetal force to keep it away
B.
-everything would be weightless and momentum of spinning Earth would cause everything to lift up into the air
-moon would fly away, Earth fall off of it's tilted axis and wobble
-earth would fall out of orbit with sun?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A
The amount of energy required to stop the Earth would probably make it melt.
Gravity would still work.
Problem does not say anything about the moon stopping in its tracks. If it did, yes, moon and Earth would collide, otherwise it would keep on orbiting.
 

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
995
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K