The sun is below us at a magnitude of nearly a line with the earth center. Are we then Heavier at midnight due to the sun's gravitational force on us, than we are at noon? Explain
To determine whether we are heavier at midnight due to the sun's gravitational force compared to noon, we need to consider the following factors:
1. Gravitational force: The gravitational force between two objects depends on their masses and the distance between them. In this case, the sun's gravitational force on Earth is always present, but its effect may vary based on the positions of the sun, Earth, and any other celestial bodies involved.
2. Earth's rotation: The Earth rotates on its axis, resulting in cycles of day and night. At noon, the sun is generally positioned at its highest point in the sky for a given location. At midnight, the sun is on the opposite side of the Earth, so it appears below us.
Now, let's break down the explanation:
- The sun's gravitational force on Earth: The sun exerts a gravitational force on Earth. This force depends on the masses of the sun and Earth, and the distance between them. The magnitude of this gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects.
- Variation in gravitational force: The distance between Earth and the sun doesn't change significantly during a day, so the gravitational force due to the sun remains relatively constant. However, the variation in our weight throughout a day is not primarily caused by changes in the sun's gravitational force. Instead, it primarily stems from the Earth's rotation and its effects on our apparent weight and perceived gravity.
- Apparent weight and perceived gravity: Our apparent weight, or how much we weigh on a scale, is the result of the force of gravity pulling us downward. However, we may experience slight differences in our apparent weight due to the centrifugal force caused by the Earth's rotation. Centrifugal force creates a small upward force that counteracts a tiny portion of our actual weight, making us slightly lighter.
In summary, the sun's gravitational force on us is always present but does not significantly affect changes in our weight during the day. The primary factors influencing our apparent weight are the Earth's rotation and the resulting centrifugal force. However, the difference in weight due to these factors is generally quite small and not directly related to the sun's position in the sky.