Jump to content

Simple question on "G-force"

Featured Replies

Ok, simple question:

 

Say I'm standing on the ground on Earth. I'm not moving, so I'm pushing down on the ground with a force of my mass * 9.81 m/s2.

 

Now, I jump straight up, and in doing so, I push on the ground with twice that force. Thus, I should accelerate upwards are 9.81 m/s2.

 

Would I say I'm "pulling 1 G" (based on my acceleration) or "pulling 2 Gs" (based on the force on the ground, including the portion supporting my body weight)?

you're pulling 2-g's until your feet leave the grounf then you'd be pulling zero.

 

it works on an absolute basis.

  • Author

So a resting body on the ground is always pulling 1g?

Exactly -- and that is exactly what an accelerometer says. An accelerometer at rest on the surface of the Earth reads a constant acceleration of 1g upwards.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.