2
$\begingroup$

If we had a tidally stabilised skyhook (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_tether#/media/File:Skyhooks.gif) with electric charge and with a vector of force aiming towards the center of the Earth, would it cancel part of the centrifugal force that has an opposite vector at (hypothetical) speeds close to escape velocity?

If not, why not?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
7
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ If there was a tether attached to a spinning object, the forces are already cancelled out. The tension force is $x$ Newtons. And the Earth is "holding" or "pulling" the tether in also at $x$ Newtons. This is Newton's Third Law. $\endgroup$ – Star Man Nov 22 '20 at 3:44
  • $\begingroup$ @StarMan Thanks for your answer. Would the lorentz force partially or totally cancel the centrifugal if the tether isn't spinning?: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_tether#/media/File:Skyhooks.gif $\endgroup$ – Albert Nov 22 '20 at 3:47
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ If the tether isn't spinning, then there would be no centrifugal force. Centrifugal force isn't technically a force. It's simply an object being prevented by something like a tether from going off in a straight path from its inertia (Newton's First Law). $\endgroup$ – Star Man Nov 22 '20 at 3:51
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @StarMan Thanks for your answer. I was thinking more in the case that the thether stars orbiting really fast to the point of getting close to escape velocity (just a hypothetical scenario). In that case, I assume there would be some centrifugal force? If yes, would an opposite Lorentz force partially cancel it? $\endgroup$ – Albert Nov 22 '20 at 4:03
  • $\begingroup$ Welcome to Space! Are you trying to display an image with the link in the question? $\endgroup$ – DrSheldon Nov 22 '20 at 4:29

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.