Would an hourglass on a rocket going up empty faster than one on the ground?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the behavior of an hourglass on a rocket during vertical acceleration compared to one on the ground. Participants are considering the effects of acceleration on the rate at which the hourglass empties, delving into the underlying mechanics involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if the rocket is accelerating, the hourglass would empty faster than one on the ground.
  • Others suggest that if the hourglass does empty faster, it may not be primarily due to the downward force on the sand above the neck.
  • A participant questions what causes the sand to fall and how vertical acceleration might influence this mechanism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the reasons behind the potential difference in the hourglass's emptying rate, and multiple competing views remain regarding the effects of acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mechanics of how vertical acceleration affects the flow of sand, leaving assumptions and dependencies on definitions unaddressed.

hyrodi
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Just wondering. Would appreciate any input! :)
 
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What do you think? :P
 
I think that if the rocket was accelerating then the hourglass would indeed empty faster. I'm trying to figure out why, though...
 
If the hourglass does empty faster it is not due in much part to the downward force on the sand above the neck.
 
hyrodi said:
I think that if the rocket was accelerating then the hourglass would indeed empty faster. I'm trying to figure out why, though...
Well, what makes the sand fall in the first place? What effect would vertical acceleration have on this cause?
 

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