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Re: [Phys-L] weightlessness



On 06/27/2012 12:51 PM, Hugh Haskell wrote:
I also think that it isn't all that terrible to assume that our
"default" [frame of reference] is usually the earth,

That would be a bad assumption in the context of the space station.
People naturally relate to people, and there are people inside the
space station. It is entirely reasonable to analyze space-station
physics in the frame of the space station. Any assumption that rules
out that frame is IMHO unreasonable.

Closer to home, it is entirely reasonable to analyze the forces on
an airplane using a frame comoving with the airplane.

I am wondering if the orbital influence on the space station is detectable,

Tidal forces are definitely detectable, if you look closely enough
and/or wait long enough. Start with two (or more!) spacecraft in
close proximity, then wait 45 minutes.