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To: Tarpaulin
BTW, it would only be zero-G inside a hollow sphere at the exact center.

Actually, that's incorrect. I proved it in an analytic geometry class in college. The gravity is exactly canceled out at every point inside the hollow sphere.

The reason for this is as follows: Starting at the center of the sphere, as you move to a non-central point (say, to your right), the gravitational attraction between you and the part of the sphere you're approaching increases...but you're putting more of the sphere behind you than in front of you, in a ratio and at a distance that exactly balances your proximity to the point you're approaching.

It sounds complicated, but it works. Honest.

38 posted on 02/10/2005 12:11:53 PM PST by Oberon (What does it take to make government shrink?)
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To: Oberon

I'm interested to see the proof, and I've got an open mind on this one at this point.


39 posted on 02/10/2005 12:13:24 PM PST by Centurion2000 (Nations do not survive by setting examples for others. Nations survive by making examples of others)
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To: Oberon

You say you did a proof, so I believe it. Its the "exactly balanced" part I'm having trouble with. It just seems counterintuitive.

But then, I occasionally shove my block shaped head into a round hole as well. :^)

Thanks


47 posted on 02/10/2005 12:29:05 PM PST by Tarpaulin (Look it up.)
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