Object whose gravity makes milk behave as in spinning bowl

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of distinguishing between acceleration due to rotation and acceleration due to a gravitational force. The scenario involves a bowl with a small volume of milk and questions about what would happen if the bowl was spun and what type of object would produce a similar effect through gravity. It is compared to the accelerating elevator scenario and the question of whether a giant doughnut could create a gravitational field to cause the milk to rise up the sides of the bowl.
  • #1
bkraabel
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Homework Statement


Let us explore whether there is any way to distinguish acceleration due to rotation from acceleration due to a gravitational force. Imagine a deep bowl with a small volume of milk in it.
(a) What happens to the milk when you spin the bowl about a perpendicular axis that runs through the center of the bowl bottom? (b) What is the shape of an object that exerts a gravitational force that could make the milk behave in a similar fashion?


Homework Equations


This question is a rotational version of the accelerating elevator. The person in the elevator cannot tell if the elevator is accelerating of if there is a large mass below the elevator producing a gravitational field. My take on this question is that we need to find the mass that would make the observer in the bowl see the milk rise up the sides, just as he does when the bowl spins. Thus, he could not tell if the milk was rising up due to spinning of the bowl or due to the mass outside that creates the same effect by gravity.


The Attempt at a Solution


Part (a) is easy, but I cant' get a grip on part (b). An observer inside the bowl and spinning with it would think there was a force pulling the milk up and away from the center, like a tide rising. Would a giant doughnut positioned above the bowl produce the gravitational field to do that?
 
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  • #2
I would expect that you can get some curved surface with a doughnut-shaped mass, but I am not sure.
 

Related to Object whose gravity makes milk behave as in spinning bowl

What is an "Object whose gravity makes milk behave as in spinning bowl"?

An "Object whose gravity makes milk behave as in spinning bowl" refers to a hypothetical object that has a strong gravitational force that affects the behavior of milk in a similar way to a spinning bowl. This means that when milk is poured onto this object, it will rotate and flow in a circular motion, similar to how milk behaves in a spinning bowl.

Is such an object possible?

At this time, there is no known object with the specific properties described in this concept. However, there are other objects in space, such as black holes, that have extremely strong gravitational forces that can significantly affect the behavior of surrounding matter.

Why would milk behave differently around this object?

Milk, like any other matter, is affected by gravity. When the gravitational force from an object is strong, it can significantly change the behavior of the milk, causing it to rotate and flow in a circular motion.

How would scientists study this object?

If such an object were to exist, scientists would most likely use telescopes and other astronomical instruments to observe its effects on surrounding matter, such as milk. They may also use computer simulations and mathematical models to understand its properties and behavior.

What are the potential implications of this concept?

If an object with such strong gravitational force were to exist, it could have significant implications for our understanding of gravity and its effects on matter. It could also potentially provide insight into the behavior of other objects in space, such as black holes, and contribute to our understanding of the universe.

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