What is the balance point between 2 gravitational bodies called?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the term for the point where two gravitational forces, such as those from a ceiling and a floor, are in balance, particularly in the context of a game design scenario. The inquiry touches on concepts of gravitational equilibrium and related terms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests the term "point of equilibrium" as a possible name for the balance point between two gravitational bodies.
  • Another participant agrees that "equilibrium" sounds appropriate but notes the practical difficulty of achieving a perfect balance in real life.
  • A different participant proposes "Lagrange point" or "Lagrangian point" as the term sought by the original poster, but this is met with clarification that Lagrange points do not represent a complete cancellation of gravitational forces.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the nature of the original question and reiterates that "equilibrium" may be the best term for the scenario described.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a definitive term, as participants propose different names and clarify the nuances of gravitational balance. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most accurate terminology.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the applicability of terms like "Lagrange point" in the context of stationary gravitational forces, indicating a need for careful consideration of definitions and scenarios.

fosterboy123
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Hi there!

My physics is not exactly strong (I am a games developer/designer).

Basically I have a game idea where the player will jump between the floor and the ceiling. At any point the player will jump and be affected by the gravitational point of the ceiling and the floor at the same time based on their position on the Y axis.

I understand the mathematics, but I am curious to if there is a name for the point at which the two gravitational forces are in balance (assuming both gravitational forces are identical in strength). I.e. is there a name for the point where the player would just float, not moving toward the ceiling nor the floor?

Thanks
 
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Maybe point of equilibrium?

But I think it would be difficult, at least in real life, to sit directly at the point of zero net gravitational force. A fraction of an inch too far in either direction will pull you away.

Unless the room is spherical, then everywhere would have net zero gravitational force.
 
Yeah, I think Equilibrium sounds right!

I actually wanted to know simply for the name and I had no idea what it was called.

Thank you very much!
 
"Lagrange point" or " Lagrangian point" is the term you're looking for...
 
94JZA80 said:
"Lagrange point" or " Lagrangian point" is the term you're looking for...
Not really. Lagrange point 1 is not where the gravity forces of two bodies cancel completely, but rather where their net effect provides exactly the centripetal force needed to stay in line with the two bodies, while they orbit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagrangian_point#L1
 
my mistake...i didn't realize that the OP was looking for a point or region in which gravitational forces cancel completely. I guess I need to read more carefully first, b/c after having read the OP again, a stationary floor and ceiling scenario doesn't exactly work like actual orbiting bodies...

...in this case, i don't know that there is any better a term for this kind of cancelling of gravitational forces than simple equilibrium as suggested before i initially posted.
 

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