Re: What would the end velocity be if...?

STJensen wrote:

> Someone is placed in a capsule of an electro-magnetic repulsion
> accelerator in the weightless vacuum of space and accelerated along
> its entire length.  If the g force the person feels is 2g (32 ft/s-
> squared x 2) during the entire time along the accelerator and the
> accelerator is 60,000 miles long, how fast would the person be
> traveling when they leave the accelerator and how long would their run
> on the accelerator last?

For straight-line, constant acceleration, starting from rest, with no 
other forces acting, the equations are:

	s = (1/2) a t^2

	v = a t

where t is the elapsed time, v is the accumulated speed, s is the 
accumulated distance, and a is the acceleration.

Solving one for t and substituting (since you're not concerned with the 
total time), you get

	v^2 = 2 a s.

Now plug in numbers and experiment.

> If I understand g forces in the weightless of space, the person/object
> has to at a constant rate of acceleration to so experience the desired
> g force.  The moment their velocity remains the same, they return to
> their weightless existence.  Thus when the person/machine-part finally
> leaves the 60,000-mile long accelerator, they will return to a
> weightless existence.

Yes.

-- 
Erik Max Francis && max@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 && http://www.alcyone.com/max/
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