What is the relationship between centripetal acceleration and g-forces?

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SUMMARY

The relationship between centripetal acceleration and g-forces is established through the formula Ac = 4π²rf², where acceleration can be expressed in terms of g, the acceleration due to Earth's gravity (9.8 m/s²). When calculating centripetal acceleration, one can replace the numerical value of acceleration with a multiple of g, allowing for easier comparison to familiar gravitational forces. For instance, pilots in high-performance jets may experience accelerations of 7 to 8 g's during tight turns, necessitating special suits to prevent blackouts. This method of expressing acceleration enhances versatility in calculations and understanding of forces experienced in various scenarios.

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  • Understanding of centripetal acceleration (Ac = 4π²rf²)
  • Familiarity with g-forces and their relation to gravitational acceleration
  • Basic knowledge of physics equations involving acceleration
  • Concept of forces experienced in high-performance aviation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of high g-forces on human physiology
  • Explore advanced topics in circular motion and centripetal force
  • Study the effects of acceleration on pilots and the design of g-suits
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of centripetal acceleration formulas
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Aerospace engineers, physics students, pilots, and anyone interested in the effects of acceleration and g-forces in aviation and other high-speed environments.

MattsVai
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I am just wondering what is exactly expected when asked "express the answer in terms of g, (acceleration due to Earth's gravity). I am thinking it means divide the result by 9.8N? What is the resulting unit?

Any help would be appreciated :)

Cheers
 
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For example, if you are doing calculations which deal with acceleration due to gravity, instead of putting 9.8 into g in your equations, you simply leave it as g.

So, if you have a formula like mgh = 1/2 mv^2 and you plug in all of your numbers, you would leave your asnwer as something like "5.1g"

So really, if you assumed that you were on the surface of the Earth in the problem and you put in 9.8m/s^2 for g, you would divide out 9.8m/s^2 from your answer and replace it with g.

The reason why they may want you to have it in terms of g, is to make it more versatile.
 
Ahhhhh... thanks a bunch! Makes sense :)
 
But, what if my equation does not contain any "g" in the formula? Would I then simply divide the final answer by 9.8?
 
Sorry... u answered that! I'm just spaced out... thanks again :)
 
If you do not have a g anywhere in any of your formulas or equations, you have set up, you would NOT have a g in your answer. It would be pointless.

What I said earlier was that if you already have 9.8 in or whatever, then you can still take it out later.

Glad I could help.
 
But my question is asking to calculate centripetal acceleration (Ac = 4PI^2rf^2) and to express that in terms of g. How would that make sense?
 
MattsVai said:
But my question is asking to calculate centripetal acceleration (Ac = 4PI^2rf^2) and to express that in terms of g. How would that make sense?
It makes sense because it allows us to compare other accelerations to the familiar experience of weight. Pilots in high performance jets experience very high centripetal forces in tight turns. It is common to express these forces as "g-forces", and they can run up to 7 to 8 times their weight. They wear special suits to keep the blood from draining out of their heads, and still black out if they stay in such a turn for long. A force of n "Gees" corresponds to an acceleration of a = n*g.
 

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