Chapter 12, Problem 40A

An occupant inside a rotating space habitat of the future will feel pulled by artificial gravity against the outer wall of the habitat (which becomes the 'floor'). What physics provides an explanation?

To determine

To explain: The concept used behind the given situation.

Answer to Problem 40A

Occupants are pushed inward with respect to the habitat by a centripetal force.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Spinning object would exert the surrounding particles to fall rotate as well. But, the centripetal force will push it inwards creating gravity.

Habitat is rotating or spinning on its axis and the occupants are lying against the outer wall i.e. on the floor. As the habitat is rotating, occupants will also rotate with it. Now, with the rotation, centripetal force will exert on the habitats to pull inwards. This will create artificial gravity inside the habitat.

Conclusion:

Due to artificial gravity, occupants will accelerate inward due to centripetal force.