Uniform Circular Motion & Gravity: A Connection?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between uniform circular motion and gravity, questioning whether gravity is a result of mass rotation at high speeds. Participants examine the nature of gravitational forces and centripetal acceleration in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests a connection between uniform circular motion and gravity, proposing that gravity may be created when a large mass rotates at high speeds.
  • Another participant counters that gravitational forces exist even when objects are not in motion, indicating that mass itself is responsible for gravity.
  • A third participant clarifies that acceleration in circular motion is distinct from gravitational acceleration, emphasizing that centripetal acceleration arises from the change in direction of velocity rather than gravitational attraction.
  • A later reply challenges the initial proposition by stating that the direction of gravity would be incorrect based on the proposed connection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between uniform circular motion and gravity, with no consensus reached on the validity of the initial proposition.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on specific definitions of gravitational force and acceleration, which may not be universally accepted in the discussion.

Neosym87
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Is it just me, or is there a huge connection between Uniform Circular Motion and Gravity?

A body of mass caught in uniform circular motion exerts a constant centripetal accelerating force, does it not? I don't know if it's just me, but that sounds like the exact description of gravity. So, I suppose, my proposition is, Is gravity created( so to speak ) when a large body of mass begins to rotate at a certain high speed or velocity?
 
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No, objects that do not even move have a gravitational force associated with them. Also, a mass in orbit is accelerating outwards as opposed to gravity pulling things towards the mass.
 
Do not confuse acceleration with gravitational acceleration . Bodies have mass and it is this mass that causes an attractive force between two objects. This attractive force, due to mass, is responsible for gravitational acceleration.

In your circular motion example, it is the motion of the object that causes a centripetal acceleration. It does not have to do with the attraction between two masses, it is a result of the tangential velocity vector of the swinging mass changing direction; therefore, it is not gravity.
 
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