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Re: Black Holes and tidal forces



1. Yes, of course. So don't use the word "gradient" in polite
company.
2. Say something like: "gravity is pulling a lot harder on your
feet (if you're falling feet first) than it is on your head, so pretty
soon you get like stretched way out of shape."
Regards,
Jack

On Tue, 27 Nov 2001, Tina Fanetti wrote:

SO the gradient changes faster for a smaller black hole...okay so how=
would I explain that to people who don't know what a gradient is...t=
he change?

Tina

Tina Fanetti
Physics Instructor
Western Iowa Technical Community College
4647 Stone Ave
Sioux City IA 51102
712-274-8733 ext 1429

Roger Haar <haar@PHYSICS.ARIZONA.EDU> 11/27/01 02:37PM >>>
Tina,
It is the gradient of the gravitational force
that is important. Consider going in feet first.
For a small black hole the force on your feet is
much larger that on your head. Plus if you are in
a circular orbit, the orbital velocity and force
associated with orbiting change quickly with
radius for small holes.

Thanks
Roger Haar


--
"But as much as I love and respect you, I will beat you and I will kill
you, because that is what I must do. Tonight it is only you and me, fish.
It is your strength against my intelligence. It is a veritable potpourri
of metaphor, every nuance of which is fraught with meaning."
Greg Nagan from "The Old Man and the Sea" in
<The 5-MINUTE ILIAD and Other Classics>