Question from a child that I was unable to answer
Discussion
I was explaining gravity, or rather its effects, to a 12-year-old. No problems up until question time.
If things 'weigh' less the further they are from the centre of gravity, will an elongated object, such as a 1,000 mile pin, weigh less if stood on end rather than placed horizontally on the ground. After all, almost all of the pin stood on end would be further from the centre of gravity.
I didn't answer, other than to say it was a good question, as there would have been a follow up of the dreaded: Why?
If things 'weigh' less the further they are from the centre of gravity, will an elongated object, such as a 1,000 mile pin, weigh less if stood on end rather than placed horizontally on the ground. After all, almost all of the pin stood on end would be further from the centre of gravity.
I didn't answer, other than to say it was a good question, as there would have been a follow up of the dreaded: Why?
I now feel better about not being able to give an answer off the cuff as no one else has been convincing.
I was pleased with the question as it showed I'd been listened to. Shouldn't the answer be obvious, though?
My physics teacher taught that that there are three ways to transfer heat, conduction, convection and radiation. I asked which one is in use when I blow on a cup of tea to cool it.
He told me to work it out myself, then go back to him with the answer.
I was pleased with the question as it showed I'd been listened to. Shouldn't the answer be obvious, though?
My physics teacher taught that that there are three ways to transfer heat, conduction, convection and radiation. I asked which one is in use when I blow on a cup of tea to cool it.
He told me to work it out myself, then go back to him with the answer.
Perhaps a little harsh of me. My apologies to anyone I've offended.
The lass knows about inverse square law. The whole thing started with a diagram of the Solar System stuck on the bedroom wall. This generated a query about tides, which she took on board. She asked for clarification of some things, such as the double bulge.
I was expecting to not only to be able to confirm what she was working towards herself, but come up with reasons, in the sense of:
Sticking with the needle. We have two: a horizontal one and a vertical one. Assuming that the centre of attraction is a single point, how far up the vertical one can the horizontal one go before the weights are equal?
In other words, is there a formula, a little algebraical bit, that can explain the constants sufficiently clearly for a 12 year old, albeit a rather sharp one?
The lass knows about inverse square law. The whole thing started with a diagram of the Solar System stuck on the bedroom wall. This generated a query about tides, which she took on board. She asked for clarification of some things, such as the double bulge.
I was expecting to not only to be able to confirm what she was working towards herself, but come up with reasons, in the sense of:
Sticking with the needle. We have two: a horizontal one and a vertical one. Assuming that the centre of attraction is a single point, how far up the vertical one can the horizontal one go before the weights are equal?
In other words, is there a formula, a little algebraical bit, that can explain the constants sufficiently clearly for a 12 year old, albeit a rather sharp one?
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