Scientifical Question ?

[sde]

Does one weigh more or less at 13,000 feet vs. sea level?

I was thinking today how the end of a sphere travels faster when spinning than the areas closer to the center. I thought that this would be what affected gravity, .. but I think it is the earth's size which causes gravity, and since the earth pulls you toward the middle, that one would weigh less at higher elevations .. but I'm not certain.

[Admin]

good question dude.

[Admin]

google: http://www.npl.co.uk/mass/faqs/gravity.html

[joe_bruin]

Originally posted by sde
Does one weigh more or less at 13,000 feet vs. sea level?

I was thinking today how the end of a sphere travels faster when spinning than the areas closer to the center. I thought that this would be what affected gravity, .. but I think it is the earth's size which causes gravity, and since the earth pulls you toward the middle, that one would weigh less at higher elevations .. but I'm not certain.

1) you get an F- for using "Scientifical"
2) is is the earth's mass, not size, that causes a gravitational field.
3) yes, one does weigh less. gravitational force is related to the inverse square of the distance of the attracting bodies (ie. the earth and you). the further you are, the lesser the attraction. however, at that altitude the effects are negligible (unless you're buying gold by the ton at high altitudes, don't worry about it).
4) the velocity difference you've gained by moving away from the center of rotation is compensated by the fact that you now have a longer path to travel for a full rotation.